POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Bag panel or pocket from Kenya

Object No. 2011/44/14

Beading is an important tradition in African culture embedded with rich mythological and religious significance. They are also a symbol for status and wealth. Historically, beads were used for trading as they were commonly made from precious materials like ceramic, ivory, bone, glass, metals and stones, and were used in personal adornment, as well as in shrines and royal regalia. This beaded bag face or pocket from Kenya forms part of an extensive collection of textiles, dress and handiwork assembled from 1953 to 2001 by Mrs Helen McLeod Crocker, traveller and collector. Almost thirty countries are represented in the collection including Afghanistan, Australia, Bali, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Central Asia, China, Europe, India, Japan, Kenya, Lao, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Salvador, Somalia, South America, Syria, Thailand, The Ivory Coast, Turkey and Yemen. Helen was very selective in the objects she acquired and the inspiration for her collection originated from her desire to preserve the true essence of the societies she encountered.