Beaded Coils

2. An exceptional collection of Southern African beadwork coils

gathered over a lifetime.

These ornaments would have been worn around the neck or

As belts. As well as the obvious purpose of beatification (often during courtship) they

Would have conveyed the wealth and importance of the owners.

Nguni people, 19th century.

The longest is 90cm.

Ex Private U.K. collection.