Raber Cleveland Antiques 9.23.26

Ndebele Beaded Cloth Figure

This auction ended on September 23, 2026.

Start price: $10

Estimated price: $10 - $500

Buyer's Premium: 20%

Sold for: $5

Description

This large-scale figurative doll is crafted in the traditional style of the Ndebele people of South Africa. The figure is constructed with a black fabric-covered head featuring a prominent circular beaded panel with red, white, and black geometric patterns. The crown is adorned with a green, white, and black beaded headband. The cylindrical body is wrapped in a thick, tri-colored felt blanket in bright yellow, deep maroon, and cobalt blue. Intricate lattice and geometric beadwork in white, yellow, blue, green, and red embellishes the garment. The neck and ankles are finished with traditional silver-toned metal wire wraps. The doll stands on two rectangular black fabric-covered feet, each detailed with white beadwork. Height: 15.5 inches.