Chest Ornament (Bibika)

Distinctive, cylindrically shaped glass beads were imported to Africa in the early 20th century, where they captured the imagination of the Yaka and related peoples, who called them n-saanga. They were used to adorn chiefly headdresses and to make women’s anklets, ear pendants, necklaces, and large chest ornaments. The fringe of this red chest ornament terminates in small spiral-shaped Zimbu shells, which were commonly used as beads and currency in the region before the introduction of glass beads. [See also 2000.450].