Dressing Zulu celebrates the installation of elaborate beaded outfits for a Zulu man and woman in the museum’s African art gallery. This panel discussion explores the collaborative processes of acquiring, conserving, and exhibiting beaded attire. Hlengiwe Dube, noted Zulu beadwork artist and historian from Durban, South Africa, will offer an insider’s view and interpretation of the Zulu designs and techniques. Joining Dube will be Henry John Drewal, Evjue-Bascom Professor of Art History, University of Wisconsin-Madison, who will speak about beadwork of the Yoruba people (Nigeria and Republic of Benin). The different approaches taken by Zulu and Yoruba artists will reveal the boundless expressive potential of beading. Kate Gabrielli, Andrew W. Mellon Conservation Fellow in African Art, VMFA, will address technical analysis and conservation of the Zulu beaded outfits, and the conversation will be moderated by Richard Woodward, VMFA Curator of African Art.
Support for this educational program is provided in part by
