Antique Dogon Bronze Bell on Bronze Loop Chain with Lovely Patina, from Mali - Rita Okrent Collection (C174o)

This is a striking antique Dogon bronze bell and chain that could be made into a wearable necklace, but could also be used for its components or as decorative adornment for one's home.

The Dogon people, who live high in the cliffs of the West African savannah make necklaces and jewelry of iron and copper alloy.  

This beautiful bell has lovely decoration. The loop chain and bell are in good condtion. and are estimated to be at least 150 years old, but are likely to be several hundreds years old.  A customer of ours tells us that she was told by a trader that these necklaces are very special and that the  “bells" are cups used to house the spirits of the wearer's ancestors.

Related to the necklace seen in the book, The History of Beads, by Lois Dubin, p. 122.

Bell measures 2.6 inches (6.6 cm) tall.  Chain measures approximately 18 inches/45.7 long.

Very collectible and special.

Collector Item 174o