Western Africa, Benin, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A heavy, lovely necklace composed of twenty-three teardrop-shaped brass beads (commonly mistaken for bronze), each with a heavily textured surface that gives the illusion of being made from wrapped bronze wire. Each of these is interspersed between diamond-shaped brass beads. On a leather strap with a small hook. Comfortable to wear with a pleasing weight. Please measure your neck as it is a shorter strand. Length of strand: 13.75" L (34.9 cm)

Benin's best known works, its "bronzes", are usually made of brass that came from Europe in the form of manillas - trade money - and were melted down by Benin artisans to make items like these beads. These artisans came from a class of guildsmen who lived in groups close to royal authority and produced prestige objects like this these for wealthy, often royal patrons. By the early 20th century, this included the occupying British and other Europeans - who were amazed by the high quality of such objects because of their attitudes towards Africa and Africans.

Provenance: private Tacoma, Washington, USA collection

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Dark patina on surface. Wearable!