Object Details
Maker
Wolof artist
Label Text
Wolof women often prefer visually rich designs such as those found in this ornate ring, which has intricate patterns applied using several different filigree techniques.
Description
Gold-plated silver alloy ring of a central hollow square with filigree design, ten large attached gold balls, hammered flat sheet metal diamonds, a trefoil on both sides and a gold braided band. The sides of the hollow square are decorated in nesting and overlapping half circles.
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. 87
Content Statement
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Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Marian Ashby Johnson
Date
1950s-1970s
Object number
2012-18-127
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Jewelry
Medium
Gold-plated silver alloy
Dimensions
H x W x D: 3 x 2.8 x 2.8 cm (1 3/16 x 1 1/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Geography
Senegal
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Topic
Adornment
Female use
geometric motif
male
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmafa_2012-18-127