loincloth Kirdi
This is another piece that I am fortunate to keep in my place. It is a wonderful Kirdi piece dating back to around 1800, which I acquired in 2014. In Cameroon (Central Africa), there is a small ethnic group called the "Kirdi" (The Pagans). This tribe of nomadic farmers, known since 1600 for their colorful accessories, provided me with this beautiful loincloth in an African object market in the heart of Brussels. Married women or those entering mature age wear this type of "loincloth" (a kind of loincloth made up of small metal strips), which also serves as an indicator of status in their society. The tribe, active since 1600, continued to use this type of accessory until 1961 when women were compelled to dress completely by government instructions. I'm sharing other Kirdi pieces from different collections.