Zulu Love Letter

Zulu love letters are beaded messages given as symbols of love and affection.  The Zulu are the largest ethnic group in South Africa, and are known for their beadwork, which can be used to convey many different messages.  In this love letter, the colors have the following meanings:

BROWN: My love is like the earth that gives rise to new life.
BLUE: Faithfulness.  If I were a dove, I would fly through blue skies to reach you.
YELLOW: Wealth (or lack thereof).  If we marry, I will be hungry as you own no bull to slaughter.

Other Zulu objects that have been featured for Artifact of the Month include a beer pot and a medicine horn.