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Earrings

National Museum of African Art
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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 trapezoidal earrings are surmounted by a plain diamond design and enhanced with hammered flat dangling teardrops which would have tinkled as the wearer walked.
Description
Gold trapezoid earrings with central, raised and flat diamond shapes. The trapezoid is filled with filigree (melted, unintentionally) and the diamonds are flanked by three raised rosette projections on either side. Flattened filigree teardrops (six each; also melted) dangle from the bottom of each trapezoid earring. The back is applied and bent wire fish hook closure or post.
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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
2012-18-88
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Jewelry
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
H x W x D (each): 3 x 1.8 x 1.4 cm (1 3/16 x 11/16 x 9/16 in.)
Geography
Senegal
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
National Museum of African Art
Topic
Adornment
Female use
geometric motif
male
Record ID
nmafa_2012-18-88
Metadata Usage (text)
Usage conditions apply
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys79c567a39-625e-4638-9b75-316495501998

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There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
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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