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 earrings incorporate the granulation technique, a method of applying tiny balls of metal, known as "thioup-thioup" or "pep," to hammered sheet metal. The graceful granulated hoops appear to interlock and are an older design attached to newer, manufactured studs - possibly in an attempt to recycle an older or broken piece, or simply in an act of clever fusion.

Gold [probably alloy, possibly gilt silver (gold wash)] earrings of openwork half circles with tiny applied granules, attached to modern post earrings.

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

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