This is yet another old finding from "le closet." I bought this Cameroonian beaded apron about nine or ten years ago. These glass beaded aprons, originally from Northern Cameroon, come in many different patterns and colors, often signifying social status and age. The dangling shells at the bottom once represented currency. These aprons were formerly worn by pre-pubescent girls to attract attention and to ward off evil spirits. Being a somewhat ignorant, hyper afro-centric 15 year-old teen at the time of purchase, I was solely fascinated by the "look" and that it was from the motherland. But after researching a bit about the history and cultural significance of these aprons, it has held greater meaning for me.

-Sophia