Bracelet

19th–late 20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 341

Many individuals throughout Burkina Faso and Côte D’Ivoire commission elaborate bracelets, rings, pendants, and anklets to provide protection during childbirth and infancy and to ward against disease and other misfortunes caused by malevolent spirits. The imagery of such personal adornments draws upon the intercessional powers of both manmade items and elements from the natural world. Cast in brass using the lost-wax technique, protective ornaments were authored by blacksmiths, who belonged to an endogamous subgroup within their communities.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Bracelet
Artist: Nuna blacksmith (?)
Date: 19th–late 20th century
Geography: Burkina Faso, Black Volta River region
Culture: Nuna (?)
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: H. 4 1/8 x W. 6 in. (10.5 x 15.2 cm)
Classification: Metal-Ornaments
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Syrop, 1985
Object Number: 1985.421.5
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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