Kirdi Caché Sex Apron

Kip McKesson African Art

 This style of beaded apron was once worn by members of the so-called Kirdi culture in the region bordering northern Cameroon and Nigeria. The word Kirdi, which translates to “pagan” or “heathen” was imposed upon this diverse group of peoples by their Muslim neighbors to signify that they did not practice Islam.  
 
One of the characteristics that unified members of these communities, which are comprised of many cultural groups with their unique customs, was the widespread use of beadwork to decorate women’s bodies. Around the age of six or seven, young girls began wearing leather belts, which were exchanged for beaded aprons when they reached marriageable age. Belts of brass rings or beads were also worn, and the quantity of decorative objects directly reflected a woman’s wealth and status. 

$1,200.00

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