Open, laying flat: 8 x 1 x 19 cm (3 1/8 x 3/8 x 7 1/2 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Senegal
Date:
Late 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:
Gold hinged bracelet composed of eight vertical panels. The panels are alternating in design: half of the panels have three coins, with a profile head, set in twisted wire and flanked by four applied and flattened star elements and the other half is composed of two opposing twisted wire and filigree crescent shapes with applied diamond and star elements. The coins may or may not have been used or in actual circulation. Hinge pins closures.
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
