Ndebele aprons

Ndebele beadwork is a visual expression of communication system, which operates on a number of different levels. The manner and style in which these are worn, assumed a meaning and associated with ethnic identity- reveals the home area of the wearer, and reflects the social status of women - as the most common and distinctive types of beadwork are worn by women at various stages of their lives, as to communicate social identities in the community. The Ndebele are superb bead workers. They wear aprons which are heavily beaded with glass beads, clothing and ornaments as part of everyday dress