African Xhosa Nursing Mother's Wood Charm Necklace

Description

This is a Wonderful Vintage Xhosa Nursing Mother's Wood Necklace (called Nursing Charms)with Blue and White Glass all Strung on Cotton from South Africa. This necklace is made out of wood or roots of a variety of plants and has colored beads and cotton ties that allows the necklace to fasten around the neck. These necklaces are significant in that they are intended to ensure the safety of the child. Upon returning home from an excursion a mother who is still breastfeeding her baby will chew a piece of the root on her charm necklace and spit this over the child before putting it to the breast to prevent any evil she may have encountered from harming the child. The nursing or charm necklaces are also a means of telling all who see the wearer that she has a baby. This is important since the bearing of children gives her status within her household and the community. This a truly a unique and rare item and would be a great addition to your collection.
Late-20th Century
Shows age, discoloration, but in good condition. One of a Kind and Rare.
Necklace
16" long from Tie to Tie
1.5" long Wood Charms
.5" wide Wood Charms
4 3/4 Long Ties
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