Zulu Beadwork and Clothing

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the Zulu nation is the best-known sub-group of the Nguni tribe, which is one of the largest tribal groupings in South Africa and how the Zulus have a rich culture with the traditional handicrafts and the intricate designs of their beadwork being especially noteworthy. It describes the history of the Zulu beadwork and clothing as well as how the beads are made and who makes them, what they are used for and their significance and symbolic meaning in Zulu culture.

From the Paper:

"Beadwork is an essential part of the traditional Zulu dress for women. For example, Zulu clothing for Zulu girls is mainly made of beadwork and is usually quite revealing (most unmarried girls go topless with only necklaces and skirts made of beads). Older Zulu women wear clothes that cover their bodies. They, however, decorate their isicholo (a wide hat made of straw) with beads (ubuhlalu). Women also wear isidwaba, a pleated skirt made of cowhide and softened by hand. Younger women sometimes decorate their "isidwaba" with beads, whereas older women wear it plain. ("Culture of Zulu People.")"

More papers on Zulu Beadwork and Clothing:

• Research Paper # 101030 : "Expiration of the Agreement on Textile and Clothing"
• Essay # 37189 : "The Corset Over the Ages: Social Circles and Clothing"
• Film Review # 140120 : "Zulu" - A Film Review"

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