Pendant: Face in Crescent

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Pendant: Face in Crescent as jewelry (Africa, West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, probably Baule-style goldsmith · 1900s).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

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.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this jewelry as Gold.

The museum's collection notes: 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.

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtPendant: Face in Crescent

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