Beaded Ceremonial Art of the Ndebele at The Israel Museum

The African art collection at The Israel Museum in Jerusalem has recently been enriched by a generous donation of beaded Ndebele art. On view through December 31 is a special exhibition highlighting ceremonial body ornaments and initiation dolls made by Ndebele women for use in rites of passage and as status symbols. The intricate beadwork features common motifs such as stylized flora, houses, telegraph poles, and electric light bulbs, reflecting the Ndebele woman’s domestic concerns, her hopes for a good harvest, and her aspirations for an idealized home.

Visit the exhibition's official website.

Information and images courtesy of The Israel Museum