Necklace, cord with painted leather pendant, UK, 1990s

Black cord with black learther pendant. Pendant is painted with a stylised Africa in stripes of Red, Yellow and Green. Stitching is around the edge of the pendant.

Part of the 'Afrocentric B-Boy UK c1990' ensemble in the V&A's 1994/95 Street Style exhibition.

The exhibition catalogue defines B-Boy as 'the name given to young, black African Americans associated with the rap and hip-hop scene. The prefix 'B' has a variety of explanations; bad, break and beat have all been suggested as possible interpretations. THe name came into common usage in Briatin in the late 1980s through hit singles by the Beastie Boys and Run DMC. Although there are many looks associated with the term, one of the most definitive consisted of labelled sports clothes, specific brands of trainers, baseball caps and chunky (often gold) jewellery.'

The exhibition catalogue defines Afrocentric as 'a movement amongst Black Americans proudly promoting their race, culture and roots. It was made popular by bands such as Arrested Development, Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest in the late 1980s. African pendants, denoting an inter-African culture, replaced the chunky gold jewelerry which was a stalwart of B-Boy dress (probably imported from South Africa).

Worn alongside a black fist pendant and trade beads. The catalogue states 'THe pendants are symbols of the black American's African roots and the trade beads were initially used as currency. The black fist is a well known black power symbol.'

Outfit compiled by Normski and Four Star General.

Photographed - "Afrocentric B-Boy UK C.1990" outfit - 2014HG0891

T.132-2019