NDEBELE APRONS, SOUTH AFRICA

Ndebele Mapoto 13 20" high $800

Ndebele Jocolo 10 19.75" high $800

Ndebele Mapoto 11 22.5" high $1000

Ndebele Mapoto 12 22.5" high $600

These beaded garments, made by and worn by women, were for ceremonial occasions. They defined one's status, progressing from girlhood to womanhood. The Jocolo, with it's five fingers, were reserved for married women, as were the Mapoto. Older aprons are on leather as opposed to canvas, have predominantly white designs and use smaller sized beads.