Old Kirdi Beaded Apron buying - Cache Sexe – PIKURAN – Cameroon

1960′. Glass beads, cowries shells. Approx. cm. 21,0 high x cm. 44,0 width (8.27″ x 17.32”); grams 255,5 (9.01 oz).

A cache-sexe, or pikuran, from the Kirdi people of Cameroon. The name of Kirdi – which in Arabic means non-Muslim – is attributed to the many ethnic groups, animist, of Sudanese origin, who live in the northern Cameroon: Mafa, Massa, Kapsikì, Mundang …

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. On the occasion of the dances for the harvest, these unusual objects were tied buying in most exemplary hanging from a belt worn by women. The government of Cameroon since 1961, has outlawed the use of cache sexe, but the practice continues under cover of robes.

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