Dinka Men's Beaded Corset Sudan Sidley Collection

This exceptional beaded corset is a unique representation of the traditional apparel worn by Dinka men in their daily lives. As the Dinka community consists of nomadic herders, their mobile belongings hold great significance. Just like other cultures in South and East Africa, the Dinka have long emphasized the human body as a means of artistic communication. 

Dinka male herders wear beaded corsets that symbolize their place within the age-set hierarchy of the tribe. The corset's distinctive "horn" (fungi) at the back represents their status and is adorned with cowrie shells (gak) at the front. Beads are valuable assets, representing power and prestige in Dinka culture. The cowries and height of the corset's back symbolize the wearer's prosperity.

The corsets are traditionally worn from puberty until the wearer enters a new age set, with each group distinguishing themselves by a specific color combination. A red and blue corset signifies a man aged fifteen to twenty-five, while a yellow and blue one represents someone over the age of thirty, ready for marriage.

The Dinka people, who have traditionally relied on their herds for sustenance, view their animals as a source of artistic motivation and a connection to the sacred realm. In the months of November through April, the Dinka migrate their herds from permanent settlements on the savanna to the swamplands near tributaries of the Nile River, where grazing is still possible even during drought. These camps are primarily attended to by young men and women, who take advantage of this laid-back period to spend time with their animals and engage in social activities.

Provenance: Niña Sidley Collection

After a long career in publishing, Niña Sidley returned to her first love: collecting the art, artifacts, and textiles of the world’s indigenous peoples. Part of her mission has been to educate others and to honor the extraordinary creativity, ingenuity, and heartfelt messages these handmade works send from their makers. Niña believes this deep respect for tradition and beauty inspires and ties all of us together as one world.