African Tribal Art - Beaded cache-sex, Kirdi, Cameroon

A cache-sex, or pikuran, from the Kirdi people of Cameroon. These were worn for celebrations, rituals and rites of passage by women who had reached puberty for protection against the evil eye and also to attract attention. The old Bohemian glass beads were usually strung in chevron or triangular patterns - this one has the letters S and X scattered throughout and measures approximately 19" wide. Cowrie shells hang from cotton thread and make a delicate sound with movement. Mid-20th century. #5909 $800