Not on display

Bracelet

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 brass wire (ubusenga) such as this example were made for the wrist, the upper arm and calf of the leg. The brass 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. In this case, three double rings have been joined together with brass bands and a clasp, possibly for European use. 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 brass and steel wire
Brief description
Bracelet of three double bands of coiled steel and brass wire, Zulu, South Africa, ca. 1870-1880
Physical description
Bracelet of steel and brass wire. Consisting of three double bands of coiled brass wire, alternating with two interlacing bands of steel wire similarly coiled; all joined by four triple bands of brass; the clasp is in the form of a hook and eye.
Style
Credit line
Given by A. L. Byrne
Object history
Displayed in "V and A Africa: Exploring Hidden Histories"
15th November 2012- 3rd February 2013
Accessions register entry - 'Bracelet of steel and brass wire. Consisting of three double bands of coiled brass wire, alternating with two interlacing bands of steel wire similarly coiled; all joined by four triple bands of brass; the clasp is in the form of a hook and eye. South African (Zulu). Gift
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 brass wire (ubusenga) such as this example were made for the wrist, the upper arm and calf of the leg. The brass 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. In this case, three double rings have been joined together with brass bands and a clasp, possibly for European use. 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.
Collection
Accession number
1605-1903

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Record createdAugust 28, 2007
Record URL
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