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 particular earrings are bright cut gold filigree cones with dangling elements, most likely modeled after Middle Eastern designs - not uncommon in modern Senegalese jewelry due to its relationship with Islam. Additionally, Senegalese traders make frequent trips to purchase jewelry in Mecca for sale in Senegal, and styles thereby filter into local designs.

Description

Gold dangling earrings of central filigree flowers on posts that are either impressed or incised and attached to filigree cones with thin rods with ball-shaped nodes at their terminus, attached around the circumference at the bottom of the cones. The filigree filling the cones is a repeating design of curves or waves. The earring backs are missing.

Provenance

Marian Johnson, purchased in Dakar, Senegal, 1963-late 20th century to 2012

Credit Line

Gift of Dr. Marian Ashby Johnson

Object number

2012-18-86

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Jewelry

Medium

Gold

Dimensions

A: 6.5 x 1.7 x 1.7 cm (2 9/16 x 11/16 x 11/16 in.) B: 6.5 x 1.6 x 1.6 cm (2 9/16 x 5/8 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

floral

flower

Record ID

nmafa_2012-18-86

Usage of Metadata (Object Detail Text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7a00f7d95-1a16-4364-bae3-07204560a0aa