Gan Bronze Pendant: Depiction of Coiled Serpent with Two Opposing Coils

Spiral eyes on either side, a long thin tail below.

Gan artists of Burkina Faso, West Africa, cast this pendant of a coiled serpent with two opposing coils in bronze in the 20th century. Coil and spiral motifs are commonly associated with protection in the region, and pendants like this are often worn on a cord. A crosshatched, shield-like center is flanked by two big spiral disks that spread like wings. A ringed neck supports the loop for suspension, and a tapered tail drops below. The surface is brown, with a satin shine.

About 3.3 inches tall. Pair it with a plain cord and nothing else.