Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Necklace

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Necklace

Among the Dogan, jewelry often serves as much more than personal adornment. For example, bracelets, rings, and necklaces signify that the owner is linked to ancestors or spiritual leaders, or might identify the wearer as a priest or a caretaker of a particular altar. The two seated figures on this necklace or collar most likely represent Nommos, the original beings created by the god Amma. The necklace was probably worn by an important priest.

• Culture: Dogon
• Medium: Copper alloy
• Place Made: Mopti Region, Mali
• Dates: 11th-15th century (?)
• Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 1 in. (22.9 x 22.9 x 2.5 cm) Diameter: 9in. (22.9cm)
• Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
• Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
• Accession Number: 74.67
• Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Jacob M. Kaplan
• Image: Overall, 74.67_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
Dogon. Necklace, 11th-15th century (?). Copper alloy, 9 x 9 x 1 in. (22.9 x 22.9 x 2.5 cm) Diameter: 9in. (22.9cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Jacob M. Kaplan, 74.67 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 74.67_PS2.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: A brass necklace decorated with two seated Nommo figures. The arms and legs of the figures are serpentine like; the arms are both raised. Their heads are elongated. At the center of the necklace is another head. Sixteen small rectangular pendants are suspended from the front of the necklace. CONDITION: Generally good. One pendant is missing from its ring.