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South African Beaded Dolls These powerful beaded forms were created as ceremonial dolls in South Africa by N'debele women in the mid–20th C. They all feature very simple facial expressions and elaborate personal adornment that reflect the aesthetic of the cultural group. Beaded neck and arm rings are combined with necklaces, and in one case, earrings. The dolls are heavily weighted by the extensive use of beads and the brass and copper leg rings that construct their cylindrical bodies. The women themselves consider these metal rings the most essential of Ndebele ornamentation. The smallest doll measures 6 in. high and 5 in. across with a base circumference of 11 in. The medium sized doll measures 8.5 in. high and 5.5 in. across with a base circumference of 14.5 in. The largest doll measures 10 in. high and 8.5 in. across with a base circumference of 15.5 in. The larger doll seems to be the oldest. She has an abstract face and looks as if some type of libation has been applied to her head, as well as her neck and arm rings. There is some loss of beads in the black and white tunic that covers the upper body. The medium and small dolls are in very good condition. Each has a distinctive personality that play off of each other very well. 
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