1867

Enquiry about object: 1867

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    Cast Bronze Dogon Spiral Ring, West Africa

    Dogon People, Mali
    18th-19th century

    diameter of bezel: 3.5cm: weight: 24g

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    Provenance

    Private Collection, Germany, acquired 1960-81

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    This fine ring has been cast with a bezel of five spirals, and a band cast with ridges.

    The precise meaning of the circular motifs has several interpretations. Perhaps they represent shields. Van Cutsem (2000, p. 60) says that they represent marsh waterlilies that bloom after downpours of rain. Barmert (1980, p. 322) says that the spirals represent the perpetual expanse of the universe.

    Both van Cutsem and Barmert illustrate similar examples.

    The ring has substantial wear with softened contours, and a fine chocolate colour. It is marked to the inside of the ring with two old collection inventory numbers.

    References

    Barmert, A., Africa: Tribal Art of Forest and Savanna, Thames & Hudson, 1980.

    van Cutsem, A., A World of Rings: Africa, Asia, America, Skira, 2000.

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