Bacongo Dowry Beaded Necklace -Authentic African Tribal Art

This impressive Bacongo beaded necklace is an authentic piece of African tribal art from Congo, dating from the mid-20th century.

The necklace is skillfully handcrafted using a sturdy, twisted spiral technique, made of small, colorful glass beads primarily in bright red and royal blue, interspersed with white, yellow, and black. The ends are finished with presumably cotton, which emphasizes its traditional origin.

Within the Bakongo culture, such traditional beaded necklaces played a crucial role. They were often part of the dowry (a significant ritual in marriages, the 'lobola'), symbolizing wealth, status, and the bond between families. The colors and type of beads could hold specific meanings. The necklace was worn during important rituals and ceremonies to offer protection, promote fertility, or denote the wearer's identity and social position.

Features:

• Length: approx. 92 cm
• Weight: 222 grams
• Origin: DR Congo
• Dating: Mid-20th century
• Provenance: Acquired from a Flemish private collection
• Matrial: Coloured glass beads, string of cotton