South African Ndebele Beaded Initiation Doll

Item Details

A South African Ndebele beaded initiation doll. The doll represents the traditional look of a married Ndebele woman. The metal rings (‘idzilo’) seen around the neck symbolize the wealth of the husband: the greater the number of rings, the wealthier the man. Rings are also worn around the ankles of the woman as a sign of her faithfulness, represented by the metal wire legs of the doll. However, these rings are not commonly worn by woman today. The red, green, and blue felt blanket worn by the woman, as well as the beaded headband, are also traditionally worn by a woman as a sign of respect for her husband.

Dimensions

Item #

16CHI014-188