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Woman's Apron

A work made of cotton thread, glass beads, and cowrie shells.

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  • A work made of cotton thread, glass beads, and cowrie shells.

Date:

Mid–20th century

Artist:

Possibly Bourrah or Mokoko region, northern Cameroon
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

Short aprons are important to the history of women’s dress in many parts of Africa. Although rarely worn today outside of ceremonial contexts, aprons such as this were considered appropriate coverings well into the mid-20th century. At their most sophisticated such aprons demonstrate a range of abstract compositions and explore variations in geometry, color, and texture. This apron featrues shifting diagonal lines arranged in upper and lower registers that contrast cool and warm colors.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Grasslands

Title

Woman's Apron

Place

Cameroon (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

Cotton thread, glass beads, and cowrie shells

Dimensions

48.3 × 19.7 cm (19 × 7 3/4 in.) (e×cluding ties; including fringe)

Credit Line

O. Renard Goltra Endowment

Reference Number

2000.463

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.

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