Zulu Isicholo Married Woman Headdress South Africa Sidley Collection

Married Zulu women always keep their heads covered in public. For ceremonial occasions, they wear elaborately woven red hats with beadwork attached. It is then sewn into the hair of the wearer. Red powder is periodically reapplied. If the dried plant happens to have tiny yellow flowers in amongst the leaves then it's impepho (Helichrysum odoratissimum) which is used primarily as a ritual incense by Zulu diviners but is also used as a perfume and insect repellent: often found in bedding and pillows as well.

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.

The stand is not included.

Height (In)
4.5 (12.0 total with fanned beads)

Width (In)
12.0

Depth (In)
12.0

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