About this artwork
Like other nomadic pastoralist groups in eastern Africa, the Turkana place a high value on costumes and adornments. These art forms are designed to convey one’s identity, social position, and family status. The upside-down U-shaped decorations at the lower edge of this apron were part of a design trend, indicating that a fashionable married woman wore it. Specific colors of beads arranged in particular patterns might also indicate details about the woman’s new husband’s village, family history, or status.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Artist
- Turkana
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Title
- Modesty Apron
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Place
- Kenya (Object found in:)
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Date
- 1850–1950
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Medium
- Animal hide and beads
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Dimensions
- Width at widest point 22". Width at top of object 16": 175.3 × 55.9 × 0.7 cm (69 × 22 × 1/4 in.); on plexi armature: 81.3 × 43.2 × 25.4 cm (32 × 17 × 10 in.)
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Credit Line
- Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago
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Reference Number
- 2023.2997
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
