isithimba (back apron)

isithimba (back apron), mid 1900s

Where object was made: Transvaal Province, Union of South Africa (present-day Mpumalanga province, South Africa)

Material/technique: beading; possibly goat skin; brass

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 69 x 78 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 27 3/16 x 30 11/16 in

Credit line: Gift of Reinhild Janzen

Accession number: 2007.4198

Not on display

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Label texts

Exhibition Label:
"For Life's Sake: Arts from Africa," Oct-1983, Reinhild Kauenhoven Janzen
The isithimba is a hide apron worn over the back by married as well as unmarried women. The hide has been rubbed with grease and ashes of plants to make it pliable. The patches are a sign of repeated use. This type of apron used to be worn as everyday apparel. Now a short bath towel often takes its place and hide aprons are worn more exclusively on ceremonial occasions. The brass rings are a prestigious decoration, fashioned from expensive trade brass rods.