Earrings

Earrings, particularly twisted gold hoops ubiquitous throughout western Africa since the first millenium AD, are an essential component of any Senegalese jewelry ensemble. Often paired with a matching pendant or necklace, the more ornate patterns reflect their European inspirations, incorporating delicate filigree work and crested with flowers and circlets of twisted wire design. These designs often bore French names, or French derivatives. Dangling versions, sometimes modeled after common necklace designs, are also popular and are known as "long-longs." Others are small hoops composed of coiled or twisted wire meant to be attached permanently to the ear and worn in multiples.

These bright cut, openwork earrings are probably manufactured, and may even be purchased by traders on one of their recurring trips to Mecca, for future sale in Senegalese shops.

Modern circular openwork bright cut gold earrings, probably manufactured, possibly from Mecca. The central design is concentric circles of twisted wire alternating with openwork patterns in the shape of diamonds. Modern earring post and backs.

Marian Johnson, purchased in Dakar, Senegal, 2010 to 2012

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