3 examples of beaded necklaces made by the Zulu people of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
They were made during the 1960s and the design, colour and workmanship show us that they originate from the Msinga area.
These particular necklaces called isoljolane, or isijozi are characterized by bold design and a simple colour palette used by the Zulu people in this area, at that particular time.. Several strands of beads are often proportioned into sections or equal segments either by a different colour or separated by a contrasting material.
Metal is shiny, attracts the eye and enhances any colour. Copper, brass, gold in various forms was used by the inhabitants of Southern Africa for millennia. Not only for decorative reasons but it was also believed to fortify and protect parts of the body. The practice and ritual use of combining metal together with glass or organic beads by traditional healers was appropriated by commoners and incorporated into aspects of design. Glass beads and metal were equally important and adornment and being beautiful, was a way of being.
In this case examples show that recycled brass buttons are used, these handed down as heirlooms from the Anglo- Zulu wars, taken from the uniforms of red coats. Similar ones were also acquired from trading stores.
But safety pins, locks, keys or washers also suffice as pendants.. The repetitive shape of the metal object become a design device when incorporated on the necklace, subverting the viewers’ perception of the items original function.
For the greater part of a century glass beads from Czechoslovakia have been imported into Southern Africa for adornment and household products. From 1900 to 1960, the scale of the bead increased. Besides a preference for easier threading, this was also due to a cost factor as the smaller the bead the more expensive.
