A: 11.1 x 11.4 x 5.9 cm (4 3/8 x 4 1/2 x 2 5/16 in.)
B: 11.1 x 11.6 x 5.3 cm (4 3/8 x 4 9/16 x 2 1/16 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Mali
Date:
Late 20th century
Label Text:
Earrings, particularly twisted gold hoops ubiquitous throughout western Africa since the first millenium AD, are an essential component of any jewelry ensemble. Originating in what is now Mali, these earrings are called "dibe" (or "sigi") and in addition to the tiny, permanent version, come in an impressive variety of shapes, sizes, thickness and tightness of twist. The design is the oldest and most popular in Senegal, attesting to its infinite forms. This pair is monumental in size producing a rather dramatic effect when worn as part of an ensemble. While it is not as heavy as many of the other versions, their heft is still keenly felt. Other, heavier versions were worn by the richest of Peul women as the ultimate display of their wealth, but the weight eventually took its toll, tearing earlobes and requiring a leather thong worn over the head to support its weight.
Description:
Large copper alloy earrings of flattened and twisted, or flanged, metal. There is an incised design of rounded triangles alternating with rounded triangles on vertical bars on the outer edge of the earrings. Zigzags are incised along the rim. Bent metal wire fashioned for attachment to the ears.
Provenance:
Marian Johnson, purchased in Dakar, Senegal, 1963-late 20th century to 2012
Exhibition History:
Good As Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., October 24, 2018-February 2, 2020; North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, September 16, 2020-January 3, 2021
Published References:
Maples, Amanda, Ashby Johnson, Marian, and Dumouchelle, Kevin D., 2018, Good As Gold, Washington, D.C.: NMAfA, Smithsonian, illustrated p. 51, 69
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