Beaded belt, 'umutsha'

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Belt umutsha, late 19th century
South Africa, Zulu?

Glass beaded cotton rolls

Donated by Major Lamb, 1937
Museum number 1937-241-1

The wearing of beaded jewellery has a rich tradition in Africa. Beads were originally made from bone, polished wood or shell, before being replaced by colourful glass beads imported from Europe in the early 19th century.