Framed African Kirdi Beaded Modesty Apron Cowrie Fringe (Auction 2026-05-15, Lot 102)

Sold

West Africa, Cameroon, Bana Guili (Kirdi) peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A vibrant beaded modesty apron (dibul kouana), composed of multicolored glass seed beads strung on cotton fiber, with strands of cowrie shells suspended from the lower edge. Each shell dangles from a hand-twisted cord topped with a small glass barrel bead. The apron is woven with beads in a striking geometric pattern of repeating diamonds and squares in yellow, green, red, black, white, and blue hues – an aesthetic hallmark of Kirdi beadwork. Mounted on a neutral beige backing in a custom frame under glass. Size of textile: 20″ L x 8″ W (50.8 cm x 20.3 cm); frame: 27.5″ L x 14.5″ W (69.8 cm x 36.8 cm)

Provenance: private Wichita, Kansas, USA collection

Good. Professionally mounted under glass in a wood display frame. Not examined outside of case. Discoloration to fibers as expected with use. Some fraying and pulling to threads, but otherwise intact and well preserved.