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. These particular "long-longs" incorporate a bright cut openwork design suspended on chains from flowers attached to studs. They are quite modern and not readily Senegalese in style, but as is the case for other "long-longs," they were probably designed to be part of a larger ensemble known as a "complet."
Description:
Modern gold earrings inspired by chandeliers. The central pendant is in the shape of a semicircular openwork flower, formed of a circumference of hearts, openwork circles and semicircles, and dangling from two chains and a flower pendant/stud. One of the earrings (B) has only four dangling chains at the bottom; the other has five. Modern post and earring back.
Provenance:
Marian Johnson, purchased in Dakar, Senegal, 1963-late 20th century to 2012
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