Blue Kirdi Beaded Tunic, Cameroon
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Blue Kirdi Beaded Tunic, Cameroon
Hemingway African Gallery
88 Leonard St.
New York NY 10013
United States
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Description of Significance of this Kirdi Beaded Tunic from Cameroon
This beaded tunic was worn by people from communities often grouped under the name “Kirdi,” a term meaning “pagan” that was given by neighboring Muslim groups to people who did not practice Islam. These communities lived in what is now northern Cameroon, northeastern Nigeria, and southern Chad. While the label is commonly used, it is imperfect, as it refers not to a single culture but to many distinct groups, each with their own traditions. Because the precise origin of this tunic is unknown, it is not possible to identify exactly which group created it.
One tradition shared across these communities was the use of beadwork to adorn women’s bodies. Girls typically began wearing simple leather belts with hanging straps around the age of six or seven, sometimes paired with an additional string belt. As they reached marriageable age, these belts were replaced with beaded aprons—known in some regions as pikuran—which were worn especially for ceremonial and special occasions and signaled a young woman’s eligibility for marriage. Women also wore belts made of brass rings or beads, and the number of decorative elements displayed reflected wealth and social standing. Different designs and styles communicated a woman’s cultural identity, age, and marital status.
After Cameroon gained independence in 1961, new regulations required women to be fully dressed, which led to the decline of these traditional garments.
Country of Origin
- Hand beaded in Cameroon
Dimensions (inches)
- Width: 21"
- Height: 28"
- Height with the base: 31"
Sustainable Materials
- Glass beads
- Natural fibers
Display
- Display stand shown in the photos is included
Shipping
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Subsidized U.S. FedEx Ground shipping: $45
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Smaller pieces are shipped via FedEx Ground in a secure box, with careful packaging to ensure safe delivery. To make fine art shipping more affordable, we subsidize part of the cost.
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Each shipment includes a declared value, requiring a signature upon delivery for added security.
Hemingway Gallery regards antique African art as the best artistic expression of aesthetic beauty and storytelling throughout the known history of art. Aside from artistic taste, African art accrues value in different ways than other genres, including use in ceremonial settings as well as age. 50 years can be regarded as old or antique when it comes to wood masks and totems. Hemingway Gallery provides both authoritative insight and context into each artifact in the collection, possessing and readily exhibiting direct, intimate knowledge of the source and pedigree. The goal is to preserve and curate one-of-a-kind artifacts of importance while creating a platform for the acquisition of spectacular unique pieces within financial reach.
Our pricing reflects the asking prices set by the artists, artisans, and art dealers in the African countries where we collect, as well as the real costs of responsibly importing their work to the United States. We are committed to challenging the outdated notion that fine art from Africa should be undervalued. Paying artists fairly is our highest priority, and our pricing is structured to honor their skill, labor, and cultural contribution.
Free shipping often means the cost is hidden in the product price, a common tactic that can mislead buyers. In fine art, transparency matters—buyers shouldn’t pay for shipping they don’t use. That’s why our pricing is straightforward, without hidden fees, ensuring fairness whether you pick up your art or have it shipped.
We ship around the world! Our website does not process automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the USA, (including Hawaii and Alaska).
Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information about this specific piece.
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