Close up of ostrich eggshell beads in the Ovambo skirt made entirely of beads

Ovambo ostrich eggshell skirt from Namibia. Circa 1920s

A young woman’s skirt made from thousands of ostrich eggshell beads.
The beads were likely made by San bead makers and traded or bartered. Such beaded skirts are rare and they were given as gifts at important events, such as at marriages or when a young girl becomes a woman.

Standard Bank African Art Collection (Wits Art Galleries)