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Wedding Necklace (Mporo)

A work made of fibers, beads, animal hide, and pigment.

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  • A work made of fibers, beads, animal hide, and pigment.

Date:

Probably mid- or late 20th century

Artist:

Rendille
Kenya
Eastern and Southern Africa

About this artwork

This multitiered necklace or collar was worn by a married woman of the Rendille people. Beaded necklaces, bracelets, and anklets are among their most prized forms of body adornment for women. The name given to this type of elaborate necklace, mporo, derives from the special red beads imported to Kenya from Europe since the 19th century. In Rendille culture they symbolize fertility, wealth, and a connection with the ancestors.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Rendile

Title

Wedding Necklace (Mporo)

Place

Kenya (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.

1950–1999

Medium

Fibers, beads, animal hide, and pigment

Dimensions

33.1 × 25.4 cm (13 × 10 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of the Michael R. Mack Collection

Reference Number

2024.368

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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