H x W x D: 5.6 × 21.4 × 22.5 cm (2 3/16 × 8 7/16 × 8 7/8 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Liberia
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
This ring form is a tien, a water spirit. It was considered a living being with a variety of powers that could bring peace, fertility, and health. They live in streams but when brought to a village could act as guardians.
Description:
Cast copper alloy ring with four knobs
Provenance:
Allen C. and Barbara R. Davis, -- to 2014
Exhibition History:
Currents: Water in African Art, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 2016-ongoing
Content Statement:
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