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Beaded panel (isibebe)

Zulu People
South Africa
Beaded Panel (isibebe)
20th Century
Glass beads
Museum Purchase with Harn General Program Endowment Funds
2007.27.13

The geometric motifs on this beaded “love letter” would be legible to Zulus who knew the old color sequences and patterns. The central chevron motif with red, turquoise, blue and yellow and flanking a similar sequence in the diamond-shaped shields are affirmations of love and protection. Specifically the chevron may be read as “heart in my heart,” or simply “in my heart.” The white field and intertwined red and white cord show love, purity of heart and devotion.