Chest Ornament (Bibika)

Arts of Africa

Mid–20th century

Possibly Yaka, Suku, or Holo
Kwango River region, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Central Africa

Distinctive, cylindrically shaped glass beads were imported to Africa in the early 20th century, where they captured the imagination of the Yaka and related peoples, who called them n-saanga. They were used to adorn chiefly headdresses and to make women’s anklets, ear pendants, necklaces, and large chest ornaments. The fringe of this red chest ornament terminates in small spiral-shaped Zimbu shells, which were commonly used as beads and currency in the region before the introduction of glass beads. [See also 2000.450].

Status: Currently Off View
Department: Arts of Africa

Culture: Yaka
Title: Chest Ornament (Bibika)
Place: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Object made in:)
Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.: 1925–1975
Medium: Glass beads, cotton thread, coins, and shells
Dimensions: 21.6 × 22.2 cm (8 1/2 × 8 3/4 in.) (excluding ties; including fringe)
Credit Line: Arnold Crane Endowment
Reference Number: 2000.449

Maison de la Culture, Analogies III, exh. cat. (Namur and Brussels: Service de la Culture de la Province de Namur and Le Salon d’Art, 1994), p. 56 (ill.).

Namur, Belgium, Maison de la Culture, Analogies III, April 23-May 39, 1994.

Georges Meurant, Brussels, Belgium, by 1994 [Analogies III 1994]; sold to Andrés Moraga, Berkeley, Calif., by 2000; sold to the Art Institute, 2000.

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.

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Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

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