Dogon Bangle or Bracelet

Origin: Mali
Approx Age: Early-mid 20th Century
Materials: Iron
Dimensions cm: 6cm diameter of bangle 3cm opening.
Ref. Number: 1378
Description:
An exquisite example of a Dogon bangle or bracelet worn by the hogon. Twisted iron to make the bangle itself with curled off ends with a fantastic looped design between the two twists to support the hanging bells. A very beautiful, rare and powerful piece of Dogon jewellery.
Provenance: Ex-old private UK collection.
History
The Hogon is considered to possess great magical powers and is often considered a powerful Sorcerer who lives as a hermit in the higher parts of the village, the part which is considered somewhat sacred. The Hogon treats illnesses, performs divination and fortune telling and represents the overall spirituality of the community. The Hogon is surrounded by many taboos: they are not to be touched and live apart from the Community Areas and Village.
The hogon would wear iron jewellery to give him spiritual and magical powers to help him with his daily tasks such as written above, fortune telling and healing etc, he would wear other iron adornments such as a necklace/necklaces known as”amma

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