Woman's Apron
Mid–20th century
Possibly Bourrah or Mokoko region, northern Cameroon Coastal West Africa
Cameroon
Bead working continues to be an important art form in parts of Africa to this day. The range of styles and compositions in aprons from northern Cameroon reflect the skill, virtuosity, and creativity of the women who designed and produced them. This apron plays on a theme of diamond shapes with shifting patterns and colors. Among the subtle details of the composition are five light-blue diamonds in the apron's upper edge, balanced at the bottom by the eight small blue beads in the otherwise all yellow fringe with cowrie shells along the bottom of the skirt.
Cotton thread, glass beads, and cowrie shells