E0120: Zulu- Leather Apron

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E0120

Classification Category:

3:Personal Artifacts ➞ Clothing ➞ Outerwear

Marks/Labels:

Fading and deteriorating tag, hard to make out"... mutya Zulu male drass...Miss Hannah Larsen; Zululand"

Materials:

animal ➔ hide/skin ➔ leather
botanical ➔ fiber

Dimensions:

Use/Function:

Men's clothing is generally made from cow hide like the one in the picture. Isinene - front apron which covers the privates. Men wear them as emblems of their high office or position, the apron acquired an aura of authority and respect in Zulu culture. Apron is a sign to prove rough work either physical labor or spiritual work. To round of traditional dress, the Zulu man would normally add his isihlangu (cow-hide shield), and umkhonto (stabbing spear).

Source Locality:

Natal, South Africa

Acquisition Date:

10/22/????

Description:

Leather apron for a male.

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