Kirdi Beaded Tunic Cameroon Sidley Collection
Width: 29.0
Description
Crafted in a classic shape, the Kirdi Beaded Tunic from Cameroon is traditionally worn by men during festive gatherings, feast days, and rituals in the Cameroon Grasslands. The vibrant design is built with rows of red, green yellow, white, black and blue diamond shapes, highlighted by bright white and yellow accents. This unique combination of beading technique and diamond design is inspired by the traditional beaded aprons (cache-sex) worn by Kirdi women from the Northern Highlands of Cameroon, resulting in a fascinating blend of influences in both form and structure.
The Matakam people, also known as 'Kirdi' or 'pagans,' live in the Mandara mountains region and are renowned for their skillful craftsmanship and intricate personal adornments. Historically, women of the northern region of Cameroon wore pubic aprons, called 'caches sexes,' crafted from small iron strips and secured with a fiber belt. However, the use of beaded aprons with geometric diamond designs has gradually replaced the traditional iron aprons. This evolution of the 'cache sexes' tradition showcases how cultural customs can be preserved through the use of different materials for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
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.
Width: 29.0
150251
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Kirdi
Country of Origin: Cameroon
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.