Woman's Apron

Short beaded aprons are important to the history of women's dress in many parts of Africa. Worn well into the mid-20th century, such aprons are rarely seen today outside of ceremonial contexts. Most aprons were created by highly specialized craftswomen. Different approaches to pattern may represent regional styles, personal taste, or differences in age and marital status. The stylistic variety and compositional virtuosity of many beaded skirts indicate the creative freedom of their designers and creators. This apron features monochromatic bars and blocks that, in certain places in the design, bleed into one another. The cowrie shells lining the bottom of the apron are typical and may be a reference to the social status of the wearer. They also make a pleasant sound when the apron is worn.