Description
Distinctive, cylindrically shaped glass beads were imported to Africa in the early 20th century, where they captured the imagination of the Yaka and related peoples, who called them n-saanga. They were used to adorn chiefly headdresses and to make women’s anklets, ear pendants, necklaces, and large chest ornaments. Tied into the fringe of this yellow chest ornament are brass coins dating from the 1930s. [See also 2000.449].
Provenance
Georges Meurant, Brussels, Belgium, by 1994 [correspondence with Andrés Moraga in curatorial file]; sold to Andrés Moraga, Berkeley, Calif., by 2000; sold to the Art Institute, 2000.
Accession Number
155975
Medium
Glass beads, cotton thread, coins, and shells
Dimensions
26.7 × 45.1 × 2.6 cm (10 1/2 × 17 3/4 × 1 in.)
Classification
costume
Credit Line
Arnold Crane Endowment