Imbeleko: izibulo bracelet.

Mdi is my nephew, his mother decided to perform an Imbeleko ceremony for him. Therefore, I decided to manufacture a bracelet for him (see fig 1). The intimate contact between him and the beads becomes a constant reminder of his protection. In spite of all technical sophistication (Metcalf, 1998) jewellery is still used for much same reason as the most primitive African communities.

Figure 1 - young Mdi wearing Xhosa bling.

 

Figure 2- Mdi’s mother preparing the gall bladder to make a ring for her baby.

Figure 3 - Mdi and his mother after the Imbeleko ceremony wearing a piece of jewellery that created.