Ndebele ApronsSouth Africa

Ndebele Aprons

• These aprons are worn by women who have gotten married and have given birth to their first child.• The apron stands as a symbol of reaching this milestone in life• The apron is made out of animal hide and an assortment of colorful

beads which are intricately woven into patterns and designs.

The Ndebele People

• Although the origins of the South African Ndebele are shrouded in mystery, they have been identified as one of the Nguni tribes. The Nguni tribes represent nearly two thirds of South Africa's Black population and can be divided into four distinct groups; the Central Nguni (the Zulu-speaking peoples), the Southern Nguni (the Xhosa-speaking peoples), the Swazi people from Swaziland and adjacent areas and the Ndebele people of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga.

• (Play Video of Xhosa sounds)