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.
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 created | August 28, 2007 |
Record URL |
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