Earrings

Object Details

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. These earrings incorporate the granulation technique, a method of applying tiny balls of metal, known as "thioup-thioup" or "pep," to hammered sheet metal. The graceful granulated hoops appear to interlock and are an older design attached to newer, manufactured studs - possibly in an attempt to recycle an older or broken piece, or simply in an act of clever fusion.

Description

Gold [probably alloy, possibly gilt silver (gold wash)] earrings of openwork half circles with tiny applied granules, attached to modern post earrings.

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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/

Credit Line

Gift of Dr. Marian Ashby Johnson

Mid-late 20th century

Object number

2012-18-89

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Jewelry

Medium

Gold

Dimensions

H x W x D (each): 2.2 x 1.8 x 1.6 cm (7/8 x 11/16 x 5/8 in.)

Geography

Senegal

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Adornment

Female use

male

Record ID

nmafa_2012-18-89

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys74b2e0b94-2cb8-4b9a-b404-fe380981d689