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Senufo Bronze Arm Cuff Bracelet Antique Tribal Jewelry OLD African Currency Primitive Money Mali Burkina Cote d'Ivoire
A Fine Old Senufo Hinged Bronze Cuff Bracelet, Working Lock Antique Tribal Jewelry - Old African Currency - Cote d'Ivoire Mali Burkina
Collected from the: Senufo peoples of the Cote d'Ivoire region of West Africa Material: Bronze, old lost wax casting of copper/tin alloy Period: 19th century, conservatively Dimensions: 3 3/8" height, 3 1/2" outermost diameter, 2 1/2" interior diameter; weight is 14.1 ounces Condition: Excellent - no damage, hinges and locks continue to function. Exquisite signs of wear, age and extensive tribal use. Beautifully burnished skin oil patina indicative of extensive wear.
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Senufo Hinged Bronze Bracelets Blandin states "This type of closed large cylindrical bracelet which opens into two halves by a system of hinges maintained firmly closed by a key type lock is found among the Senufo area of Korhogo. It is ornament of adornment worn exclusively by the Senufo women." Metal content alone, combined with casting quality indicate that this is an early anklet indeed.
African Currency Bracelets Metal was highly valued throughout Africa, and, as with most African metal items, pieces that were originally created for an entirely different purpose became viewed as wealth over time and then used as currency in trade for a wide variety of items - the metal could always be smelted down to reform into a more desirable or needed object. Most African tribes used a wide array of metal rings in varying sizes and shapes for adornment and primitive money. While records show that copper rings functioned as currency in Takrur in 1068 A.D., it is commonly believed that copper ingots were mined in the Katanga region as early as the 9th century, and the first appearance of heavy copper bracelets was recorded during the 8th century. Bracelets, often referred to as 'ring money', served as a medium of early exchange in addition to ornamentation - a convenient way to transport wealth was to wear it as a show of prestige and power. The two main techniques for producing the rings or bracelets were drawing wire to forge or form the shape, and casting, and the pieces could easily be melted down (smelted) at another location and then reformed as desired. The use of imported copper and brass bangles or 'manillas' dates back to 1439, when the Portuguese ordered their production from Venice for trade in Africa. The manillas continually grew smaller over time, and their metal content changed from solid copper to brass, and then to highly leaded brass until the importation and use of manillas was prohibited during the early 1900's when the British government sought to establish their own currency and therefore forbade the use of any other. The 'native' currency (or primitive money) that was buried as a result of that British decree was not excavated until much later, and is now surfacing into the current market as art.
Senufo Tribal History An extremely large tribe, the one and a half million Senufo peoples inhabit vast areas of Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Primarily farmers who occasionally hunt, the Senufo villagers are governed by councils of elders, lead by elected chiefs. Men of the important Poro society reinforce tribal unity through ceremonial ritual, while they train and initiate the young tribal males from age seven and up. According to Bacquart, "Senufo theology is based on Koulotiolo, a powerful god, and Katieleo, a goddess mother, who through the rituals of the Poro society, regenerate the world. The practice of divination is universal among the Senufo, and practitioners of the art are to be found in every village. They consult the spirit in order to help a client resolve problems and obtain better fortune. Most diviners are women, though the calling is also open to men. The Senufo were among the first tribal artists to be recognized and admired by the Western world. Their artistic output has been prolific - statues and masks characterized by realistic features or highly geometric shapes which emphasize rhythm and the opposition between void and full spaces."
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Please contact us immediately if ~ for any reason ~ you are not pleased with your selection. We will gladly refund the purchase price of any item returned in its original condition within 14 days of dated delivery. Our commitment to 5 Star customer service and satisfaction ensures that YOUR satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ~ NO questions asked!
The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs.
We're delighted to combine shipments and reduce your costs, simply email your Zip/Postal Code PRIOR to making payment. All major credit cards and PayPal are gladly accepted. Payment is expected within 7 days of your purchase. In consideration of discounts given, we respectfully request immediate payment on all Best Offers unless arrangements are made prior to acceptance. Please contact us directly if other payment arrangements are necessary - we're always happy to help!
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