Not currently on display at the V&A

Arm Ring

ca. 1870-1880 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Unlike iron, copper, which is the main component of brass, was not available to the Zulu people locally in any great quantity. Instead it was acquired through European traders at Delagoa Bay (Mozambique) and traded to the Zulu by Thonga people living in the bay’s vicinity. Purchased in the form of unworked blocks, the Zulu used brass to create neck, leg and arm rings, beads and studs.

Rings of twisted or plaited wire (ubusenga) were made for the wrist, the upper arm and calf of the leg. The wire was wrapped around a core of plant fibre or animal hair to keep the ring flexible. Brass and copper beads were sometimes added as decoration. The rings became popular during the reign of the Zulu leader Cetshwayo (r.1872-1879). Today they are still worn but are more frequently made of lightweight aluminium.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Coiled steel wire, cast brass beads
Brief description
One of three arm rings of coiled steel wire with brass beads, Zulu, South Africa, ca. 1870-1880
Physical description
Arm ring of steel wire wrapped around a core of plant fibre or animal hair, with brass beads at intervals.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 8.8cm
Style
Credit line
Given by A. L. Byrne
Object history
Accessions register entry - 'Bracelets, three, of brass and steel wire. A circlet of coiled wire with brass beads at intervals. South African (Zulu). Given (received 8th March 1893) by A. Leicester Byrne, Esq., The Gt. Western Hotel, Bombay. Authority for acceptance: Mr. F. Grant Ogilvie's on R.P. T. 24467/1903, (file) R.P. T.19715/1903.'
Historical context
See - 'Prestige Ornaments, The use of brass in the Zulu kingdom', Carolee G. Kennedy, African Arts, vol. 24, no. 3, July 1991
Summary
Unlike iron, copper, which is the main component of brass, was not available to the Zulu people locally in any great quantity. Instead it was acquired through European traders at Delagoa Bay (Mozambique) and traded to the Zulu by Thonga people living in the bay’s vicinity. Purchased in the form of unworked blocks, the Zulu used brass to create neck, leg and arm rings, beads and studs.

Rings of twisted or plaited wire (ubusenga) were made for the wrist, the upper arm and calf of the leg. The wire was wrapped around a core of plant fibre or animal hair to keep the ring flexible. Brass and copper beads were sometimes added as decoration. The rings became popular during the reign of the Zulu leader Cetshwayo (r.1872-1879). Today they are still worn but are more frequently made of lightweight aluminium.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
1603-1903

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Record createdAugust 28, 2007
Record URL
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