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 trapezoidal earrings are surmounted by a plain diamond design and enhanced with hammered flat dangling teardrops which would have tinkled as the wearer walked.

Gold trapezoid earrings with central, raised and flat diamond shapes. The trapezoid is filled with filigree (melted, unintentionally) and the diamonds are flanked by three raised rosette projections on either side. Flattened filigree teardrops (six each; also melted) dangle from the bottom of each trapezoid earring. The back is applied and bent wire fish hook closure or post.

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

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