Vintage Ndebele Beaded Apron Zimbabwe/ Late 20th CenturyGlass beads For Sale

Vintage Ndebele Beaded Apron Zimbabwe/ Late 20th Century
Glass beads adorned on a sturdy canvas cloth

This example of African beadwork is an apron known as lighabi, worn by people of the Ndebele peoples of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The lighabi would have been attached to the front of a skirt via the top band of stiff canvas, densely embroidered with geometric beadwork. A beaded fringe hangs below, designed to sway with each step and amplify the lively movements of the person who once wore this exquisite piece. The beaded section below could represent many things such as child birth and marriage.
Measurements flat
11.5”X 10.25”