Object Details
Maker
Wolof artist
Tukulor artist
Label Text
In order to document historic forms, Johnson often bought jewelry otherwise destined for the goldsmith’s melting pot. This European-inspired butterfly pendant is one such piece and as a result is one of the oldest in the collection.
Description
Gold-plated silver alloy pendant composed of three filigree butterflies, one central larger and two smaller flanking it, connected by one link of chain. Stylized wings are created from teardrop shaped elements filled with filigree and surmounted by a bead of granulation. Tiered and petaled semicircular elements surmount the wings. The face of the butterflies is an inverted heart filled with filigree and decorated with granulation. Each butterfly has antennae gracing the top of the head, applied at the back.
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
African Mosaic: Selections from the Permanent Collection, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 19, 2013–August 12, 2019 (installed November 7, 2014-August 1, 2017)
Published References
Maples, Amanda, Ashby Johnson, Marian, and Dumouchelle, Kevin D., 2018, Good As Gold, Washington, D.C.: NMAfA, Smithsonian, p. 77, 87, illustrated p. 78
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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.
Image Requests
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Marian Ashby Johnson
Date
1930s-1950s
Object number
2012-18-45
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Jewelry
Medium
Gold-plated silver alloy
Dimensions
H x W x D: 3.5 x 10.5 x 0.6 cm (1 3/8 x 4 1/8 x 1/4 in.)
Geography
Senegal
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Topic
Adornment
Female use
butterfly
male
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmafa_2012-18-45