Zulu Beer Pot lid ‘Imbenge’ – Zulu People, South Africa

Called ‘Imbenge’ in the Zulu language, these traditional beer pot covers are hand woven from natural fibers & embellished with beaded designs. The lids protected the beer from dust and flies. When beer was removed from the pot, etiquette required that the lid be used to hold a beer skimming spoon. In time, telephone wire was also used & in some cases, replaced the natural fibers.