Artwork Page for Pendant: Crocodile

Details / Information for Pendant: Crocodile

Pendant: Crocodile

1930 or earlier

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

Medium
Gold
Measurements
Overall: 4.9 cm (1 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1952.265
Public Domain
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Location
108C African Jewelry and Metalwork
Print
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Did You Know?

A goldsmith had to create superfine rolls of wax to make the texture of this piece; the wax was used to make a mold into which liquid gold was poured.

Description

This pendant was cast in gold using the lost-wax method. Gold objects are the only Baule art forms associated with ancestor spirits. Pendants can have many uses. Usually hidden in pots or suitcases, gold adornments can be displayed on important occasions such as funerals. They can be 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 crocodile pendant is oriented horizontally, its head to the left and tail curving upward. An open snout reveals teeth beneath large, bulging eyes. Vertical textured bands divide the torso into four segments, each filled with an openwork diamond lattice. Three small rings project from both the top and bottom edges of the midsection. A thick, textured tail tapers as it curves sharply toward the right.

Pendant: Crocodile

1930 or earlier

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

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