Three old, flat neck-chokers of the Dogon in half-moon or sickle form. All three objects have lugs on each of their upper ends for a carrying cord, as well as lugs on their lower edges for small pendants (not present here). All three objects were made of yellow cast-alloy (brass) using ‘waste mould’ casting.
1: The largest of the three chokers is also the most elaborately decorated: on both pointed upper ends sits a human half figure with arms akimbo. On their heads are large lugs for the carrying cord. On the front surface is found a tortoise in the centre middle, and next to it – arranged symmetrically towards both sides – two finely drawn double spirals; then, coming in from the outer points, two crocodiles with faint grid patterns on their backs. Height: c. 23 cm; width: 26.5 cm.
2: The next in size of the three chokers displays a larger, broader surface, simply decorated with arched, alternating lines and wave-lines, framed above and below by braid bands. Height: c. 19 cm; width: c. 20 cm.
3: The smallest of the three chokers displays a form which forms a point towards the front in the lower middle. The front side is divided into smaller areas by wide diagonal lines. Height: 17 cm; width: 18 cm. Overall three interesting, rare objects, with good, old patina. Date unknown. A formally comparable piece is in the Brooklyn Museum in New York, dated to the 18th century, inv. no.: 74.67. (ME)