African Bead Design Tie

Description

Our eye-catching tie design is developed from a richly patterned beaded Kirdi apron (19th–20th century) in the Museum’s collection, originally from northern Cameroon.

Available in blue/copper, blue/green, or olive/burgundy. Silk. Imported. 3 5/8''W.

Art History

Many African cultural groups have maintained a rich tradition of beadwork. In southern Africa, beads were produced from ostrich shells as long as 15,000 years ago. Islamic glass beads are known to have been traded into West and East Africa as early as the ninth century, while European glass beads were introduced in the 15th century through trade with Portugal.