Artwork Page for Pendant: Face in Crescent

Details / Information for Pendant: Face in Crescent

Pendant: Face in Crescent

1900s

Africa, West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, probably Baule-style goldsmith

Medium
Gold
Measurements
Overall: 7 x 7.4 cm (2 3/4 x 2 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1952.118
Public Domain
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Location
108C African Jewelry and Metalwork
Print
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Did You Know?

Although the surface of this pendant was likely enriched (worked to enhance the surface level of gold) at the time of manufacture, the dark spots on the face show us where this enriched layer has worn away.

Description

This pendant was cast in gold using the lost-wax method. Gold objects are the only Baule art forms associated with ancestor spirits. Usually hidden in pots or suitcases, gold adornments are displayed on important occasions such as funerals. They are laid out around the corpse before burial. A widow will wear them on a chain around her neck or attached to her hair at the ceremony signaling the end of mourning.
A gold pendant depicts a central face with narrow eyes and a slit mouth, encircled by triangular rays. The face is set within a crescent of openwork filigree featuring alternating rows of repeated semi-circles or triangles. This filigree consists of smooth, fine wire, while the face has been worn, gold now pitted and textured. Clusters of three small rings extend from the top center and each of the two bottom corners.

Pendant: Face in Crescent

1900s

Africa, West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, probably Baule-style goldsmith

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