Title: Mat
Material: Straw and glass beads
People: Ndebele
Country: South Africa
Description: The Ndebele are one of the most colorful and
distinctive tribes on the entire African continent. Woven
from grass, the mat features intricate beadwork around
the perimeter. Brides would sit on these elaborate mats
during a wedding ceremony. Also, these special mats were
used by diviners who would cast bones and other objects
onto the mat to communicate with spirits, to gain insight
into problems and to prescribe remedies.
Dimensions: 38" length x 23" width x 1/4" depth
