Old Fine Ndebele Beaded Apron – PEPETU – South Africa

Mid 20th century. Cotton canvas fabric, glass beads cm. 45,0 x cm. 40,0 (17.71″ x 15.74″).

During initiation girls wear an array of colourful beaded hoops (called izigolwan) around their legs, arms, waist and neck. The girls are kept in isolation and are prepared and trained to become homemakers and matriarchs. The coming-out ceremony marks the conclusion of the initiation school and the girls then wear stiff rectangular aprons (called Amaphephetu or Pepetu), beaded in geometric and often three-dimensional patterns, to celebrate the event.

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