Bracelet

African

  • Titles Bracelet (Descriptive)
  • Medium iron
  • Dimensions 2 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 5 in. (5.7 x 12.1 x 12.7 cm)
  • Credit Line Gift of Mortimer B. and Sue Fuller, 2006.198
  • Work Type bracelet
  • Classification Jewelry

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Spherical reddish-brown vessel has narrow mouth raised on three-chambered opening covered in raised bumps.
Helmet mask with glossy, black surface; coiffure of fine plaits close to the skull leading to thick braid rising from top of head. Prominent, domed forehead, slitted "cowrie shell" shaped eyes, small mouth, nose, and ears; three vertical scarification marks on each cheek. Two bulging rings around neck; base of mask pierced with multiple holes for attachment of fiber costume. Function: Worn by women of the Sande Society during initiation of girls into the society, and on other occasions; morphology of the mask reflects Mende ideals of feminine beauty and power.
Stool (do-tshom), Baga people, Guinea, African, wood, polychrome
Staff surmounted by the double axe motif, stylized reference to the thunderbolt believed to be hurled from the skies by Shango, with kneeling female figure.