Cameroonian Cotton Dance Skirt

Blue stripes on white, and a fringe of shells that clicks when you walk.

Makers in Cameroon, Central Africa, assembled this dance skirt from cotton and cowrie shells in the 20th century. Cowries are commonly used across Africa as ornament and as a sign of wealth, and beaded fringes are often worn in dance. Long, thin strands hang from a woven band, and each is strung with white and blue beads, with cowrie shells gathered at the ends. The shells are cream colored and slightly yellowed. The band is a soft brown cord.

About 47 inches around the top and 6 inches deep as recorded. Frame it flat or let it drape.