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Authentic African Beads, Handmade African Jewelry, Traditional African Beadwork, Beaded Necklaces, Tribal Jewelry, Artisan African Bracelets, Authentic Beaded Accessories, Ethical African Jewelry, African Beadwork Art, Sustainable Beaded Jewelry, African Heritage Jewelry, Beaded African Artifacts
Authentic African Beads, Handmade African Jewelry, Traditional African Beadwork, Beaded Necklaces, Tribal Jewelry, Artisan African Bracelets, Authentic Beaded Accessories, Ethical African Jewelry, African Beadwork Art, Sustainable Beaded Jewelry, African Heritage Jewelry, Beaded African Artifacts
Authentic African Beads, Handmade African Jewelry, Traditional African Beadwork, Beaded Necklaces, Tribal Jewelry, Artisan African Bracelets, Authentic Beaded Accessories, Ethical African Jewelry, African Beadwork Art, Sustainable Beaded Jewelry, African Heritage Jewelry, Beaded African Artifacts
Authentic African Beads, Handmade African Jewelry, Traditional African Beadwork, Beaded Necklaces, Tribal Jewelry, Artisan African Bracelets, Authentic Beaded Accessories, Ethical African Jewelry, African Beadwork Art, Sustainable Beaded Jewelry, African Heritage Jewelry, Beaded African Artifacts

Antique Xhosa Beaded Necklace, South Africa

SKU: J184
Discounted price$400.00

Tax excluded. Shipping calculated at checkout

Pickup available at Hemingway African Gallery

Usually ready in 1 hour

Authentic African Beads, Handmade African Jewelry, Traditional African Beadwork, Beaded Necklaces, Tribal Jewelry, Artisan African Bracelets, Authentic Beaded Accessories, Ethical African Jewelry, African Beadwork Art, Sustainable Beaded Jewelry, African Heritage Jewelry, Beaded African Artifacts

Antique Xhosa Beaded Necklace, South Africa

Hemingway African Gallery

Pickup available, usually ready in 1 hour

88 Leonard St.
New York NY 10013
United States

+12128383650

Description of Significance:

This is high quality antique piece that was made for ceremonial use in South Africa. 
The Xhosa people, from South Africa's Eastern Cape, are renowned for their beadwork, crafting intricate necklaces that are not only visually stunning but also rich in cultural significance. Every pattern woven into these necklaces carries unique meanings embedded in the Xhosa heritage. In traditional Xhosa society, these beaded creations were more than mere adornments; they served as a visual language, conveying a person's social identity. The colors and designs chosen in each piece would signify various aspects of one's life, including age, gender, marital status, as well as their role and standing within the community. This art form, therefore, is a tapestry of symbolism, narrating the stories of the Xhosa people and their way of life.

Xhosa collars have come to indicate an expression of resistance. In 1962, when Nelson Mandela appeared for trial on treason charges, he wore his traditional Xhosa beaded collar as a sign of rebellion and contempt against the unjust South African Supreme Court. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg also wore Xhosa Necklace collars as a sign of dissent. 

Country of Origin: Hand-crafted in South Africa

Clasp: There is a clasp at the back so the necklace can be easily worn.

Dimensions (in Inches):

  • When Laid Flat: Width: 20" Height: 15"
  • From Neck Opening to Outer Edge: 8"
  • Openning for Neck: Width: 5" Height: 5"

Sustainable Materials: Glass beads and string.

About Decorative African Art:

Hemingway Gallery only purchases pieces from artists or owners that we approve of historically and aesthetically. These might include artworks that have been newly created and are currently being used in ceremonies. We place high value in these pieces, despite their lack of age and antiquity, regarding them as real even though they are not old. Some are created for use by the people and not made for the tourist trade. Ours are by talented artisans creating fine art that reference historic styles. Newly produced African art is gorgeous and we value these pieces. This includes contemporary aesthetics from the continent that may not necessarily look traditionally ‘African’. Our goal is to represent design in Africa that goes beyond the idea of ‘tribal’ as the styles of emerging artists are ever-evolving.

Our Pricing:

Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing their artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price to our artists is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that. Everything is ethically sourced personally by the owners of our family business.

Shipping:

  • Subsidized FedEx Ground Shipping: $15
  • A FedEx Declared Value is included on each package so a signature may be required on arrival.
  • We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).
Shipping & Return Policies
Authentic African Beads, Handmade African Jewelry, Traditional African Beadwork, Beaded Necklaces, Tribal Jewelry, Artisan African Bracelets, Authentic Beaded Accessories, Ethical African Jewelry, African Beadwork Art, Sustainable Beaded Jewelry, African Heritage Jewelry, Beaded African Artifacts
Antique Xhosa Beaded Necklace, South Africa Discounted price$400.00

Questions?

Send us a message below! If you are inquiring about a specific piece, make sure to include the SKU number. We will get back to you right away!