Label Text: This type of belt is a part of a costume worn by women during festival dances that commemorate Kuba history and promote individuals to the rank of notable or chief. Women use the belts to tie cloth wrappers (ntshakakot) to their waists. Elaborate accessories in themselves, these wrappers are embroidered with complex geometric patterns. The design of this belt combines cowrie shells with blue and white glass beads arranged in a chevron pattern, and is distinctive for three crown-like cowrie shell florets that project from the back and sides. A dancer wears the belt with the central floret on her back and ties the front with fiber or leather.
KG, 2010
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