Lot 4068
Zulu Married Woman's Orange Woven Headdress Isicholo
Passed — did not sell at this auction
About this lot
Estimated Value: $250-500
Origin: Zulu, South Africa Mid-20th century
Dimensions: 17.5 in. in diameter x 3 in. tall.
Condition: The bandage headband portion around the inside has wear and has some tearing.
Additional Information: A bright orange Zulu married woman’s headdress isicholo that has a round shape and a woven cloth material. There is is a dark red headband portion on the inside. The hat is made with plant fiber, cloth and ochre. The coloration is from the pounding of organic minerals and mixing with water and aniline dyes. The dried powder is applied, wet again, and then dried leaving a stunning headpiece.
This headdress hat has a distinctive, flaring, disk-shaped hat that evolved from a conical hairstyle worn by women as a symbol of maturity and marital status. The isicholo is typically made from human hair, twine, cloth, and pigment, often with a reddish hue.
Though this hat is not worn in everyday life, the isicholo remains an important part of traditional Zulu dress, especially during cultural ceremonies and weddings.
Lot details
- Lot
- 4068
- Closed
- June 27, 2025
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