woman's shoulder garment
woman's shoulder garment
Culture
Dinka people
Creation date
mid-20th century
Materials
glass beads, cowrie shells, metal wire
Dimensions
26 x 19 in. (g.d. approx.)
Credit line
Mrs. Pierre F. Goodrich Endowed Art Fund
Accession number
1997.60
Collection
Currently On View In
Eiteljorg Suite of African and Oceanic Art
Alluring, loose-beaded bodices are worn by Dinka girls who are eligible for marriage.
Beads, provided by the girl's family, indicate her family's wealth. The patterns on the front of her bodice indicate the number of cattle her family will require as bride price.
Cowrie shells are attached to promote fertility.
