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. 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. 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 iron and brass wire, brass or copper beads |
| Brief description | Bracelet of coiled iron and brass wire with brass or copper beads, Zulu, South Africa, ca. 1870-1880 |
| Physical description | Bracelet of iron and brass wire wrapped around a core of plant fibre or animal hair, with brass beads, in threes, at intervals. |
| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by Jane Souter Hipkins |
| Object history | Accessions register entry - 'Bracelet. Fine iron and brass wire twisted together and coiled over a ring of horsehair with rings of brass or copper (in threes) clipped over at intervals. South African (Kafir [this crossed out]). Given by Miss Edith J. Hipkins in memory of her parents, the late A.J. Hipkins, F.S.A. and Jane Souter Hipkins (on labels to be described as "Given by Jane Souter Hipkins"). See RP 1270 M/1911. Given. Miss Edith J. Hipkins, 100 Warwick Gardens, SW. 11th March 1911. Authority for acceptance: Director's, 8th April 1911 (RP 11/1402 1/2 M).' |
| 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. 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 | M.454-1911 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | August 28, 2007 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
