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Bracelet

Arts of Africa

Ivory’s value results from its scarcity, as well as its association with the elephant, a symbol of power and strength. Ivory bracelets, decorated with engraved designs, were made by the Fur of the Darfur region of Sudan and traded as far as Eritrea and the Republic of the Congo. Hairpins from the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are worn by both men and women to hold hats and ornate hairstyles in place. These hairpins are particularly ostentatious, since each is made from a large piece of ivory, most of which is carved away.
CULTURE Possibly Fur
MEDIUM Ivory
  • Place Made: Darfur region, Sudan
  • DATES late 19th or early 20th century
    DIMENSIONS 2 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (5.7 x 8.9 x 8.9 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Arts of Africa
    ACCESSION NUMBER 22.677
    CREDIT LINE Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Cylindrical bracelet made of ivory with flared edges. Object is decorated with circular impressions produced by a tubular tool, and concentric incisions around the outside edges. The incisions and impressions have been filled in with what may be resin and is black in color. Condition: Good.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Possibly Fur. Bracelet, late 19th or early 20th century. Ivory, 2 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (5.7 x 8.9 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.677. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.677_PS6.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 22.677_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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    Possibly Fur. <em>Bracelet</em>, late 19th or early 20th century. Ivory, 2 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. (5.7 x 8.9 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.677. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 22.677_PS6.jpg)