Necklace of plaited rings with horizontal cylinder

20th century

Not on view

For those who cannot afford gold ornaments, imitation jewelry is an acceptable alternative. Rings, necklaces and bracelets made from shimmering, golden straw, artistically worked over a beeswax core are ubiquitous to Songhay peoples of Niger and are colloquially referred to as "Timbuktu gold." Although made of humble materials, the designs of these adornments mirror those employed in metalwork, emulating gold’s resplendence.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Necklace of plaited rings with horizontal cylinder
Date: 20th century
Geography: Mali
Culture: Songhay
Medium: Straw, beeswax
Dimensions: L. 15 in. (38.1 cm)
Classifications: Basketry-Ornaments, Jewelry
Credit Line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Pascal James Imperato, 2017
Object Number: 2017.678.7
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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