Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: The Museum Year 2009
The Year
Acquisitions
Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa: July 2008–June 2009
Belt
Image: 2.5 x 3.8 x 104.1 cm (1 x 1 1/2 x 41 in.)
Fineley-woven fiber, possibly raffia; covered in glass seed-beads with cowrie shells
Classification: Jewelry / Adornment
Culture: African, Kuba peoples
Accession number: 2008.1514
Description: Such an elaborate specimen was worn for display on special occasions. Evidencing wealth and prestige, it was also used as currency.
Provenance/Ownership History: About 2002, acquired from an African merchant, New York by Professor Dwight B. Heath, Providence, RI; 2008, gift of Dwight B. Heath and Anne C. Heath in memory of their son David to the MFA. (Accession date: December 17, 2008)
Gift of Dwight B. and Anna Cooper Heath, in memory of their son, David B. Heath