1: Two heavy bangles made of white metal (or a very weak silver alloy). They are not a pair. This type is cast in two parts and connected with a hinge. The ends are wide and thicken into a trumpet shape. Finely engraved and hallmarked with geometrical patterns. When worn, the two separately cast parts are placed on top of each other and connected through holes under the thickened ends. Bangles such as the present ones were probably worn by Djerma women in Niger or Mali. DM: 5 x 5 cm, 5 x 6 cm.

2: A pair of heavy bangles made of weak silver alloy. Bangles such as the present ones were worn by Djerma women in Niger or Mali. With thick ends in polygonal shape, the outer sides with linear fluting, the ends engraved and hallmarked with geometric motifs. DM: Each 6 x 6.5 cm.

Lit.: 'Bronzes et autres Alliages' by A. Blandin, p. 11, fig. 2.

3: Three spirally twisted bangles made of white metal. They are not in pairs. With thick ends in polygonal shape, each with two connected central pieces similar to the ends. With a hallmarked décor of circle motifs and engraved attachments. Probably also from the Sahel region (Niger, Mali). Diameter: each c. 5 x 4.5 cm.

Lit.: 'Bronzes et autres Alliages' by A. Blandin, p. 12, fig. 2, 4, 5.

4: A spiral-shaped bangle, with both ends in the guise of snake heads, engraved and hallmarked. The other bangle features an open form and thick ends with a polygonal shape and geometric engravings. Both bangles are made of white metal. DM: 6 x 6 cm, 5 x 4.5 cm.

5: A narrow iron bangle, the outside fluted and with three projections (triangular and quadrangular). Probably manufactured by the Lobi in Burkina Faso. DM: 7 cm.

6: Six so-called ‘manillas’. These are small, round copper bars that were originally produced by the Portuguese, later also by the British, the French and the Germans until the end of the 18th century in order to be exported to West Africa and used for the bartering of ivory, palm oil, spices etc. There were also a few local productions (e.g. in the Kingdom of Benin). ‘Manillas’ were originally mainly used as valuable objects and as a form of currency (‘primitive money’) among the large West African tribes such as the Yoruba and the Ibo, and rarely as ornaments. DM: c. 4.5 x 4 cm.

Lit.: 'The perfect Form' by Roberto Ballarini, p. 140, fig. 2.7 passim.

All 16 ornaments and valuable objects in this collection are old and display visible traces of usage. First half of the 20th century or earlier. (ME)