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Beaded Panel (isibebe)

Zandile Ma Ndlovu Dube
South African
Beaded Panel (isibebe)
1969
Glass beads
Museum Purchase with Harn General Program Endowment Funds
2007.27.14

The message of this isibebe, the final beaded panel made during Zandile Ma Ndlovu Dube’s marriage negotiations, says “jabula mngani,” literally “happy friend.” It was interpreted as “be happy my friend [we are going to get married]” and was the joyful fiancé’s announcement to his friends that any problems arising during the long negotiation process are resolved, and that he can now start planning the wedding.