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1886.1.426

Figure.

1886.1.426

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Collection type
Object
Description
Figure.
Long description
Figure. Leather figure of male kaffir, with large hide shield and three assagais, cloak, 'apron' and beaded ear neck and waist ornaments. (Sue Walker 30/09/1971) [JFK 22/8/2008]
Cultural groups
Nguni
Date / Period
Date made: On or before 1827
Date collected
?On or before 1827
Acquisition information
Transferred: 28/09/1885
Materials and processes
Material Animal Leather Skin, Material Bird Feather, Material Wood Plant, Material Iron Metal
Dimensions
Height: max 380 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1886.1.426 Other numbers: 95
Research and responses

In a letter dated July 9 1879 from Rowell to Professor Westwood [see 'AMS 35, now RFO/A/3/11, Ovenell papers] Rowell describes these objects: ... "My first entry was – “A Caffir Chief in war costume; with shield, assigais, [sic] knob-kerrie, war feathers &c. And of a Caffir woman in winter dress. Capt. H.F. de Lisle 1827”" [AP 05/12/2013]

For an account of such figures, see 'Souvenirs of Difference: Nineteenth-Century Leather Dolls from South Africa', by Anitra Nettleton, in South African Journal of Art & Architectural History, Vol.VI, nos. 1-4 (1996), pp. 26-39. (Copy in RDF: Researchers: Nettleton.) [JC 30 9 1997]

Search terms: Figure, Weapon, Toy and Game, Doll Figure

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