H x W x D: 4.1 x 1.5 x 1.6 cm (1 5/8 x 9/16 x 5/8 in.)
Type:
Jewelry
Geography:
Senegal
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 Senegalese jewelry ensemble. Often paired with a matching pendant or necklace, the more ornate patterns reflect their European inspirations, incorporating delicate filigree work and crested with flowers and circlets of twisted wire design. These designs often bore French names, or French derivatives. Dangling versions, sometimes modeled after common necklace designs, are also popular and are known as "long-longs." Others are small hoops composed of coiled or twisted wire meant to be attached permanently to the ear and worn in multiples.
Description:
Gold post earring with hollow half spheres composed of twisted and coiled wire and grouped in fives as nested chevrons. The earring back is a modern plastic circle.
Provenance:
Marian Johnson, purchased in Dakar, Senegal, 1963-late 20th century to 2012
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