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Necklace, Northern Nguni or Zulu, 1800s (glass beads, bone, sinew)
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Necklace, Northern Nguni or Zulu, 1800s (glass beads, bone, sinew)
500435 Necklace, Northern Nguni or Zulu, 1800s (glass beads, bone, sinew) by South African School, (19th century); h:38.10 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: When wild game was still plentiful in the region, real animal claws would have been used to punctuate beaded prestige necklaces. Lion-claw necklaces were the exclusive property of royalty while the bone imitations were owned and worn by high-ranking individuals of lesser status. Large red glass beads were also reserved for the Nguni elite in the period before the destruction of the Zulu kingdom in 1879.
); Gift of Dori and Daniel Rootenberg in memory of Estelle Rosenberg; South African, out of copyright
Media ID 23553974
© Gift of Dori and Daniel Rootenberg in memory of Estelle Rosenberg / Bridgeman Images
Mixed Media Southern Africa Zulu
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases a magnificent Necklace, crafted by the Northern Nguni or Zulu people in the 1800s. Composed of delicate glass beads, bone, and sinew, this exquisite piece of jewelry is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. During this period, when wildlife thrived in abundance across the region, genuine animal claws were incorporated into these prestigious beaded necklaces. However, it was only members of royalty who had the privilege of adorning themselves with lion-claw necklaces. On the other hand, individuals of high-ranking status but lesser standing would wear necklaces adorned with bone imitations. The vibrant red glass beads featured on this necklace were exclusively reserved for the elite Nguni community before the fall of the Zulu kingdom in 1879. These striking beads symbolized wealth and prestige within their society. Now housed at Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA, this remarkable artifact stands as a reminder of South Africa's diverse tribal traditions and artistic mastery. The intricate craftsmanship displayed on this necklace reflects both skillful artistry and deep cultural significance. Gifted to the museum by Dori and Daniel Rootenberg in memory of Estelle Rosenberg, this extraordinary piece serves as a visual representation connecting us to an era long gone but not forgotten. It allows us to appreciate and celebrate South Africa's rich history through its stunning indigenous jewelry-making techniques.
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