Group of 5 Antique Vert-de-Gris Bronze Bells, Mali - Rita Okrent Collection (P609)

Antique Vert-de-Gris Bronze Bells from Timbuktu, Mali.

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

These are antique bells that were found in excavations in Mali. They are estimated to be at least 150 years old, but may be much older. A customer of ours tells us that she was told by a trader that these  “bells" are cups used to house the spirits of the wearer's ancestors.

These bells vary in size, decoration and shape.

Large bell is 3.5 inches (8.7 cm) from top of bail to bottom. Small bells measure 2.2 - 2.5 inches (5.3-6 cm) from top of bail to bottom of bell.

Pendant Item 609