Object Details
Maker
Wolof artist
Label Text
For many Senegalese women the ideal necklace incorporates three pendants—one central component flanked by two complementary, smaller pendants. A string of handmade beads, sometimes with a back pendant attached and worn at the nape of the neck, perfect the ensemble. The central portion of the necklace, known as a kostine, consists of delicate, ornate filigree and requires a great deal of skill and craftsmanship. According to Johnson, this particular style of necklace is a modified form of the kostine known as a bount u sindoné.
Description
Large gold-plated silver alloy pendant in a variation on the basket of flowers design and heavily decorated with filigree and openwork, with a central, tiered flower. The overall shape of the pendant is a half circle subdivided into 11 wedges with teardrop shaped filigree designs, followed by smaller rosettes inside of them and emanating from the central rosette. The back of the pendant is solid, with modified hooks showing that illustrate how the elements are attached to it. Half of the chain is missing from the proper left side.
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 June 12, 2015-August 1, 2017)
Published References
Maples, Amanda, Ashby Johnson, Marian, and Dumouchelle, Kevin D., 2018, Good As Gold, Washington, D.C.: NMAfA, Smithsonian, illustrated p. 65 and on cover
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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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
Mid-20th century
Object number
2012-18-19
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Jewelry
Medium
Gold-plated silver alloy
Dimensions
Pendant only: 8.8 x 11.1 x 2.9 cm (3 1/2 x 4 3/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Chain: 21.2 cm (8 3/8 in.)
Geography
Senegal
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Topic
Adornment
Female use
male
floral
flower
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmafa_2012-18-19