Lot 188

Framed African Kirdi Beaded Modesty Apron Cowrie Fringe

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Framed African Kirdi Beaded Modesty Apron Cowrie Fringe

Estimate: $600 - $900

Starting Bid: $250

(0 Bids)

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

West Africa, Cameroon, Bana Guili (Kirdi) peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A vibrant beaded modesty apron (dibul kouana), composed of multicolored glass seed beads strung on cotton fiber, with strands of cowrie shells suspended from the lower edge. Each shell dangles from a hand-twisted cord topped with a small glass barrel bead. The apron is woven with beads in a striking geometric pattern of repeating diamonds and squares in yellow, green, red, black, white, and blue hues - an aesthetic hallmark of Kirdi beadwork. Mounted on a neutral beige backing in a custom frame under glass. Size of textile: 20" L x 8" W (50.8 cm x 20.3 cm); frame: 27.5" L x 14.5" W (69.8 cm x 36.8 cm)

Provenance: private Wichita, Kansas, USA collection

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Item # 198830

  • Condition: Good. Professionally mounted under glass in a wood display frame. Not examined outside of case. Discoloration to fibers as expected with use. Some fraying and pulling to threads, but otherwise intact and well preserved.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000