Bracelet

Object Details

Label Text

Bracelets were essential to a woman’s collection, and a simple version was often a Wolof woman’s first acquisition. Like necklaces and earrings, bracelets come in a wide variety of inventive styles, from the braided and twisted designs, which required the female client’s presence to designate the tightness of the twist, to delicate, European-inspired flowers, to Islamic-inspired half-moon bracelets.

Description

C-form bracelet of twisted gilt copper (gold or brass wash) wire braided with flattened gilt copper bands. The ends are capped in large hand-hammered spherical balls. The bracelet is heavy and solid.

The ends are capped in large hand-hammered spherical balls. The bracelet is heavy and solid.

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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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

Object number

2012-18-148

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Jewelry

Medium

Gilt copper (gold or brass wash)

Dimensions

H x W x D: 7.4 x 8.7 x 1.7 cm (2 15/16 x 3 7/16 x 11/16 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_2012-18-148

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys77d70cc1d-50bc-4a9a-9544-c6c49d1f4985