Ornament

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Object Details

Maker

Lobi artist

Label Text

This snake ornament may have either been kept in a shrine or worn on the lower leg. It would have served as protection against harmful spiritual forces or from actual snake bite.

Description

Copper alloy snake with nineteen twisting turns, incised cross-hatch design and bulging slit eyes.

Provenance

Roy and Brigitta Mitchell, Washington, D.C., -- to 2010

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Credit Line

Gift of the Roy and Brigitta Mitchell Collection

Date

20th century

Object number

2010-10-121

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

Copper alloy

Dimensions

H x W x D: 9.6 x 1.6 x 0.9cm (3 3/4 x 5/8 x 3/8in.)

Geography

Côte d'Ivoire

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Data Source

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Shrine/Altar

snake

male

Metadata Usage