ZULU WOMAN’S NECKLACE, C.1880

Brought back by an English or Welsh soldier from the Anglo-Zulu War of 1885. 18” length. Tightly bound tubular cloth body with transverse bands of red, white, green and black beads identifying the clan of the wearer. European trade beads as used by the Zulu since the 1820’s. Brass trade button to one end. The thread is hand spun plant fiber, Zulu made from native materials. Brass trade button to one end. Lacks the tie string to the other. Otherwise, good and complete.