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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Here is a view of the back:
This is a likely mauritanian piece but rather worn by black settlers of the extreme south bordering senegal and mali and likely worn across the border by related groups.
The major feature here being the dual use of two materials which a common find on moorish jewelry BUT the sheer size and especially the hinge system is IMHO alien to the moors and is more sahelian than saharan. It is reminescent of that used on the fulani mixed silver anklets and bracelets and also some more elusive pieces from further to the south towards the guinea gulf animistic kingdoms.
i think that this style is archaic and possibly very old style from theday the region was under the rule of Ghana kingdom (not to be co fused with modern ghana country)
The intricate work on the copper parts is definetely that what one can expect of a higher/noble provenance and thus leads me to think of the once thriving Fulani kingdoms/princely states in todays northern Senegal. Women from these areas and around would use distinctive gold jewelry on the upper body (necklaces, earrings and hair ornaments) and mix them with silver or non precious metal bracelets and anklets. More to do with superstitious belives than available means actually.
This a a verygood find,i think it is an old and rare piece.
congratulations
What fascinating information Alaa. Thank you so much, I really appreciate your generosity in sharing your knowledge. That was exactly what I was looking for!
Thank you Betty, I also loved this from books and I was shocked to stumble across it recently.
This is really handsome, Lynn. It has great presence, great charisma. And the medallion is so expertly and confidently decorated.
What a very, very lucky "stumble upon" shock, Lynn. Such a rare delight and great gathering! Huge congratulations.
Thank you Frankie and Thelma! Yes, I really couldn't believe it. Thelma, there are two additional smaller plates with similar but different decorations on the side. You can see a hint of them in the other photos I posted. The golden coppery decoration is sumptuous against the tarnished aluminum.