Dogon Bracelet
Delicate, twist with scroll fashioned opening, a Dogon bracelet made of iron.
Origin: Mali
Approx Age: Mid 20th Century
Materials: Iron
Dimensions cm: 8 (diameter)
Ref. Number: 1314
Description:
Dogon bracelet, more delicate in appearance Dogon iron bracelet. The iron has been twisted to form the main part of this bangle. Both ends have had a small scroll created giving a more delicate feel to this piece of Dogon jewellery. An open fluted, like a tulip,
Provenance: Ex Lampevelden Collection – Netherlands.
History
The Dogon are an ethnic group living in the central plateau region of Mali, in West Africa, south of the Niger bend, near the city of Bandiagara, in the Mopti region. The population numbers between 400,000 and 800,000.
The metal workers of the Dogon people are famed for their extraordinary construction of distinctive jewellery items. Dogon motifs include bearded figures, the sun and stars, snakes, rabbits and monkeys.The Dogon are known for their iron bracelets and adornments in general which are often made out of wrapped iron worn by the Hogon, the spiritual leader of the Dogon community. A Hogon is a religious figure as well as a temporal authority. The Hogon may be hereditary or may be chosen from among the village elders—custom varies from place to place. The Hogon is always a man. After being chosen, a Hogon must pass through several months without washing or shaving. After initiation, he wears a red cap and a pearl bracelet. Hogon live alone and should be celibate, but a village girl may act as a maid. Nobody should touch the H
Bracelets were also used as fetishes, objects believed to have supernatural powers and therefore could protect the wearer hence it is an item of jewellery often worn by the hunters within the village.
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