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Necklace

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

Object Information
  • Title: Necklace
  • Artist: Maure artist
  • Date: 20th century
  • Geography: Mauritania
  • Culture: Maure peoples
  • Medium: Seeds, plastic
  • Dimensions: L. 41 in. (104.1 cm)
  • Classifications: Beads-Ornaments, Jewelry
  • Credit Line: Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Pascal James Imperato, 2017
  • Object Number: 2017.678.22
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
Necklace, Maure artist, Straw, Maure peoples
Maure artist
20th century
Night in the City (necklace), Joyce J. Scott  American, Glass and metal beads, PVC, laminated prints, synthetic suede, nickel silver on thread, wire, monofilament
Designer Joyce J. Scott
ca. 1983–87
Necklace, Schiaparelli  French, plastic (cellulose acetate), metal (tin), French
Design House Schiaparelli
Designer Elsa Schiaparelli
Manufacturer Jean Clément
fall/winter 1938–39
Necklace, House of Dior  French, plastic, metal, French
Design House House of Dior
Designer John Galliano
1997–98
Necklace, House of Dior  French, plastic, metal, French
Design House House of Dior
Designer John Galliano
1997–98

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