South African Zulu People Unisex Necklace: "Umgingqo" or Woman's Headband

This headband, sometimes worn as a necklace, is a cylindrical body of tightly rolled cloth covered in a sheath of beads in regional colors with typical male and female geometrical symbols. Women wear these beads as a headband. When used as a necklace, this rolled cloth is called "umgingqo". It can be worn by males or females.

Zulu beadwork has a long history as beads were traded first by Arabs and later Europeans in exchange for ivory, animal products and slaves. Beads were valued as currency as well as decoration. Beadwork became a status symbol and important item of personal expression.

Stylistic variations of beadwork such as pattern, color and color sequence indicate area or group affiliation although some variations occur in contemporary beadwork based on fashion and political meaning. Colors and patterns could take on more personally expressive meanings as well.
Source:
https://nicharry.com/en-us/blogs/blog/traditional-south-african-clothing