Fon silver bracelet, Dahomey, West Africa

Fon bracelet made of silver and worn on the upper part of the arm.

More than one hundred years ago, the elite of the Danhomé Kingdom in West Africa would have worn these silver ornaments to adorn themselves and show off their wealth, and also to protect themselves from harm and evil. Fashioned by jewelers from imported silver coins, the ornaments were embellished with tiny sculptures that refer to past kings, heroic wars, and the Vodun religion.

The coins attached to the ornaments date from between 1873 and 1910.

Silver content is probably around 700/1000.

Provenance: French private collection.

Dimensions:

Central plate: 3 x 5 x 3 cm
Length of the chains: 20,5 cm

Weight: 81,1 gr

WA179