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. Originating in what is now Mali, these earrings are called "dibe" (or "sigi") and in addition to the tiny, permanent version, come in an impressive variety of shapes, sizes, thickness and tightness of twist. These particular earrings, while larger than the tiny hoops of gold, are also meant to be permanently attached to the ear by the goldsmith and worn everyday, attesting to the popularity and reach of the style.

Silver alloy earrings of flattened and tightly twisted, or flanged design. There is an incised hatch design along the inner edge of the twists. No closure, but attached directly to the ear.

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

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