An anklet made of leather and beads

Unknown artist

The ankle ornament is tied around the ankle via the leather straps. A similar object is worn by the Xhosa. Elliott, 1970, p. 60, includes a photograph of a man wearing this type of jewellery on both ankles. It is highly likely that this anklet also originates from the Xhosa. The catalogue of The University of the Witwatersrand (1989) lists a similar object from the Thembu with indigenous name 'Izathsaba'.‖ A beaded patch is attached to a leather base. The patch is strung of glass beads in geometric patterns. There are also five mother-of-pearl buttons sewn on, some probably missing. The leather has been cut into both sides so that the piece of jewellery can be tied around the ankle.