Antique Dogon Bronze Bell Necklace on Bronze Loop Chain with Patina, from Mali - Rita Okrent Collection (C174m)

Antique Bronze Bell on Long Bronze Circular Loop Chain, Dogon People, Mali.

This is a striking item that is a wearable necklace, but could also be used for its components or as decorative prop.

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

This bell with chain is estimated to be at least 150 years old, but may 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 2.1 inches (5.3 cm) tall.  Chain measures approximately 30 inches long.

Very collectible and special.

Collector Item 174m