Dogon Cuff with Nommo Motif, Based

The Nommo are said to be water spirits. This cuff keeps two of them on guard.

Dogon metalworkers of Mali, West Africa, cast this cuff in bronze in the mid 20th century. Nommo are ancestral figures in Dogon belief, often shown with raised arms. Here two lithe, stylized figures rise from either side of the opening and meet at a small block at the top. The band between them is ribbed with fine notches. The surface is dark olive-brown, with traces of red and green in the grooves.

About 8 inches tall on its stand. Jewelry for no wrist in particular, and all the better for it.