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Baca gala dress, Richmond, Natal [KwaZulu-Natal], 1948

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/RCMS 211/15

Scope and Contents

'Baca married women are heavily draped. Back and front half-skirts of goatskin are surmounted by a series of bright, beaded cloths. A red, upper apron, a black, lower apron and a shoulder cape are all necessary items for married wear. The head cap must also be worn over hair which is prepared in long strands and treated with red ochre and motor oil. A sausage-like ornament keeps the hair away from the face. Pins decorated with wool or beads form fantastic and colourful hair ornaments for gala occasions. Baca married women when at a party take a very active part in the dancing.'

Dates

  • Creation: 1948

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

From the Fonds:

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Language of Materials

English

Finding aid date

2014-12-10 11:58:12+00:00

Includes index.

Repository Details

Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository

Contact:
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