ZULU BETROTHAL NECKLACE.

Zulu Wars period C.1870’s. Known as “Zulu Love letters”. 3 1/4” x 1 7/8 made of trade beads (the Zulu had strong trade ties with the British from the 1820’s) loomed in black, blue, red and white patterns symbolizing the clan of the husband to be and identifying the woman as his property. Neck band of various colors and styles of beads. The end with a loop which engaged a bead stud on the other end of the pendant. The neck cord and all the cord used in the looming of native spun plant fiber. Excellent throughout for the period. Among the most intimate personal property of a Zulu Warrior.