Beaded Kirdi skirts

In Cameroon, tribes such as Kirdi and Fulani create intricate beaded aprons. Traditionally, the Matakam or Kirdi women of northern Cameroon wear pubic aprons made of small iron strips, secured by a fibre belt. These have now been replaced by beaded aprons. Known for their expertise in personal adornments the Kirdi and Fulani women use beaded aprons for special occasions like marriages or the presentation of newborns. The geometric patterns on these vibrant aprons often reflect designs shared among neighbouring communities. The evolution from iron to beadwork illustrates how traditional customs are preserved and expressed through new materials and forms.