Pendant: 10.1 x 9.2 x 2.9 cm (4 x 3 5/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Senegal
Mauritania
The Gambia
Date:
1930s-1940s
Label Text:
In addition to clear stylistic relationships to historic West Africa, the influence of Portugal and France have long been apparent in Senegalese goldwork. Shared designs were evident in Europe and Senegal as early as the 17th or 18th century and their popularity has continued into the 20th century. The “basket of flowers” motif, for example, is an older design that has long been popular, especially amongst Wolof artists and their clients. It was often part of the ngeganol, or marriage collection, given to a woman by her husband at their wedding. Because of its longevity, experiments on its basic design have circulated throughout Senegal, some of which are seen here.
While the idea of a basket of flowers is European in origin, the designs and execution are typically Senegalese. Emphasis is on the multiple layers of design elements and motifs, which affirm opulence and extravagance—highly prized by Senegalese women as a way of showing their wealth, whether a present reality or a hoped-for future.
Description:
Wolof gold-plated silver alloy necklace with a "basket-of-flowers" (paniers des fleurs) pendant on a gold chain. The main pendant is a basket decorated with several raised and tiered flowers with openwork design, several of which have filigreed petals. The basket and flowers are surrounded by thick, teardrop shaped filigree elements. Three crescents and a braid adorn the front of the basket. The main pendant is connected to a "3D" chain. Two hook-and-eye closures on the chain.
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, 64
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