Armlet

Object Details

Yoruba artist

Label Text

While objects such as bracelets, armlets, collars, earrings and anklets crafted from copper, gold and silver were used as jewelry, in some cases they also served as currency. These pieces of jewelry were not widely circulated and were never used in connection with routine transactions. Instead, they served as repositories of wealth in a form that was easy to store and transport.

Description

Coiled copper alloy armlet with ends terminating in faceted, bell-shaped finials wtih chiseled and punched designs. The prepared stock was forged into a hexagonal shape before coiling around a cylindrical form. The armlet has smoked patination.

Provenance

Tom Joyce, Santa Fe, 1986 to 2002

Exhibition History

Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing

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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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 Tom Joyce and museum purchase with funds donated by Carl Jennings

18th-19th century

Object number

2002-10-22

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Jewelry

Medium

Copper alloy

Dimensions

H x W x D: 17.8 x 12.7 x 23.7 cm (7 x 5 x 9 5/16 in.)

Geography

Nigeria

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Exhibition

Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts

On View

NMAfA, Second Level Gallery (2193)

National Museum of African Art

Topic

male

Trade

Currency

Record ID

nmafa_2002-10-22

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7cadf3775-5600-494e-b37f-97ce56c6f1cd