Object Details
Maker
Unidentified artist
Label Text
While imitation gold jewelry is made of straw and plaster in Mali, imitation jewelry in Senegal is typically formed from golden tinsel. Like the straw and plaster versions, its honeyed hue is easily mistaken for the genuine article. In the necklace and earrings seen here, the realistic quality is further enhanced by the twinkle of the foil as it catches the sun’s rays.
Description
Crescent shaped earrings of gold-colored tinsel (mylar) coiled and wrapped around reddish iron wire. The gold thread is in a spiraled pattern that wraps around circumference at the bottom of the earrings, but tapers to a smaller point at the point of connection with the ears. One (A) earring is slightly bigger than the other (B), and "open" (A) instead of "closed" (B).
Provenance
Marian Johnson, purchased in Dakar, Senegal, 1963-late 20th century to 2012
Exhibition History
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
Published References
Maples, Amanda, Ashby Johnson, Marian, and Dumouchelle, Kevin D., 2018, Good As Gold, Washington, D.C.: NMAfA, Smithsonian, illustrated p. 85
Content Statement
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
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Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Marian Ashby Johnson
Date
Mid-late 20th century
Object number
2012-18-34
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Jewelry
Medium
Gold-colored tinsel (mylar), iron
Dimensions
H x W x D (A): 2.5 x 2.6 x 1.2 cm (1 x 1 x 1/2 in.)
H x W x D (B): 2.4 x 2.5 x 1.2 cm (15/16 x 1 x 1/2 in.)
Geography
Senegal
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Topic
Adornment
Female use
crescent
male
spiral
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmafa_2012-18-34