Bronze Bead Necklace with 11 Bells and Pendants and Lots of Patina, Dogon People, Mali - Rita Okrent Collection (C174h)

Djenne Ancient Excavated Bronze Bead Necklace with Hanging Bells and Pendants, Mali.

This necklace is 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.

It is 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 necklaces are very special and that the “bells" are cups used to house the spirits of the wearer's ancestors.

This is a wearable necklace that weighs approximately 7 ounces and does not make ringing noise when you walk as the ringers are no longer present. Note that this has a lot of vert-de-gris or patina, and wear. Should be also fabulous for use in your own designs.

As seen in the book, The History of Beads, by Lois Dubin, p. 122.

20 beads, 9 bells and 2 pendants. Bells do not have ringers.

26 inches of beads. Bells measure up to 1.5 inches tall.

A very special piece.

Collector Item 174h