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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
Gilt metal (gold wash) hinged bracelet composed of six domes with solid backing and pierced holes. The domes are decorated with overall granulation set in nests of looped wire with a central grouping of seven larger globules. The domes are divided by hollow possibly stamped projections and globules at the top and bottom. Hinge pin closure with chain. One dome is broken off at closing flange and hinge pin is missing.
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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/
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Date
Mid-20th century
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Marian Ashby Johnson
Medium
Gilt metal (gold wash)
Dimensions
D x Diam: 1.5 x 8.6 cm (9/16 x 3 3/8 in.)
Chain: 7.5 cm (2 15/16 in.)
Type
Jewelry
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International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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