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 curved earrings follow the shape of the ear, and are worn in lieu of permanent hoops, instead incorporating them into a removable ear cuff, yet still producing the desired effect. This style became popular during the 1960s when permanent rings were still being used and offered a painless solution for women with skin allergies.

Gold-plated copper alloy earrings in a hook shape that mimics, and is worn on, the outside edge of the ear. Three rows of twisted wire adorn the edge of each hook, with hammered flat globules at each of the four ends. One is missing from one of the earrings. Multiple coiled earring hoops are attached in pierced holes around the outer edge of the hooks (24 on one; 22 on the other) from top to bottom and the front is decorated with circles of wire around the pierced holes. A wire edge parallels the hook shapes for attachment to the ear.

Marian Johnson, purchased in Dakar, Senegal, 1963-late 20th century to 2012

Good As Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., October 24, 2018-February 2, 2020; North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh, September 16, 2020-January 3, 2021

African Mosaic: Selections from the Permanent Collection, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 19, 2013–August 12, 2019 (installed June 12, 2015-August 1, 2017)

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