Ndebele Beaded Doll with apron (Mapoto) and braided hair

Detailed Ndebele beaded cloth doll with apron and braided hair, approx. 10″ tall.

The Ndebele make some very fine beaded dolls that display miniature examples of the adult woman’s beaded wardrobe. As well as beading clothing, one of the oldest and most revered practices is that of making beaded dolls. The dolls are usually symbolic representations of the person they will be given too. Thus, the clothes on the doll and the colours used say something about the reason why it is being made and given to a woman. The dolls are ornamental, and are meant to be kept in the home of the recipient to watch over them and ensure them a blessed journey through that stage of life.

$ 150.00

In stock