Gan Bronze Pendant: Depiction of Coiled Serpent in Stylized Cross

A cross, but not the one you were thinking of.

Gan craftsmen of Burkina Faso, West Africa, cast this pendant of a coiled serpent in a stylized cross in bronze in the 20th century. Coiled serpent forms are commonly associated with protection and spiritual power in the region. A round disc at the center is filled with a tight spiral and ringed with small studs, and arms project at the top and sides. A flared top, a notched neck and a squared tail are all marked by crosshatching. The bronze is deep gold and brown.

About 3.3 inches tall. Medal, charm, or small architectural wonder.