Dogon Bronze Bracelet, Mali, On stand

A bronze bracelet with one open gap and several small, patient bumps.

Dogon metalworkers of Mali, West Africa, cast this bracelet in bronze in the 20th century. Bronze bracelets and anklets are commonly worn in West Africa as ornament and as markers of status. This one is a broad open ring, thickest at the top where a small raised socket sits, and tapering toward the two ends, which flare outward in knobs. Small raised nubs run along the outside. The metal has a weathered, grey green surface. It is shown standing on a black metal stand.

About 3 inches across. Wear it, or let it wear the shelf.