A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.
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it could be from anywhere in West Africa, I think it is a chamaeleon, they have such rings in Mali, but it does not necessarily mean they are manufactured in Mali. However, they have similar ones manufactured in Mali by the Dogon and by the Bambara, sometimes with turtle figures, or Little birds, or chamaeleons.
I do not know much about West Africa, but I have seen many animal presented in brass (yours is with more copper pure in it) and that is from Benin.
Ingrid.
Thanks Eva and Ingrid!
So, are you saying that it is typical for Benin to make animal rings with more copper is the brass, Ingrid?
I have a strong tendancy that this is Senufo. the Senufo live crossing over borders in Mali, Burkina and Ivory Coast.
You are right, Eva - the chamaeleon is an animal often seen in Senufo art and jewellery. It's very coppery, but not quite as much as on the pic. I like it because it is very soft to touch and kind of cute...
Google Senufo and click for Pictures of Senufo rings...... you will find very similar pieces. As said, they live not in one Country, but several, so it cannot be attributed to Mali or Burkina or Ivory Coast, or even others... (same like Peul, Fulani), unless one knows exactly where it has been bought.