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Catalog Data

Maker:
Wolof artist  Search this
Medium:
Gold
Dimensions:
H x W x D: 7.4 x 7.3 x 1.8 cm (2 15/16 x 2 7/8 x 11/16 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Senegal
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
Bracelets were essential to a woman’s collection, and a simple version was often a Wolof woman’s first acquisition. Like necklaces and earrings, bracelets come in a wide variety of inventive styles, from the braided and twisted designs, which required the female client’s presence to designate the tightness of the twist, to delicate, European-inspired flowers, to Islamic-inspired half-moon bracelets.
Description:
Two-part hinged bracelet with eight arched panels in stylized filigree butterfly motif. Push button clasp with slot and tiny "lock" for keeping bracelet securely shut.
Provenance:
Marian Johnson, purchased in Dakar, Senegal, 1963-late 20th century to 2012
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
Topic:
Adornment  Search this
Female use  Search this
butterfly  Search this
male  Search this
Credit Line:
Gift of Dr. Marian Ashby Johnson
Object number:
2012-18-164
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source:
National Museum of African Art
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7e112a4dd-15ec-465f-8e4b-5176ae4acd28
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmafa_2012-18-164