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. Tied into the fringe of this yellow chest ornament are brass coins dating from the 1930s. [See also 2000.449].