Stone Bangle, originmated from Dogon / Mossi / Gurunsi, Mali / Burkina Faso
Material:
Stone.
 
Dimensions
D: 10,5 cm.
 
Provenance:
Zimmer collection, Switzerland
 
Since time immemorial, jewellery in the most diverse forms and materials has accompanied and fascinated people of all cultures.
 
From a cultural point of view, bangles, anklets, amulets and necklaces are much more than just pieces of jewellery. In Africa in particular, these precious objects are not only valued for their beauty, but are also revered as having magical, protective powers.
In West Africa, too, ornaments are part of religious beliefs and symbolise the wearer's rank and affiliation. In some ethnic groups, soothsayers prescribe the wearing of protective jewellery that keeps away evil spirits.
 
In addition to local materials such as ivory, silver or gold, popular imported goods were also used to make the valuable unique pieces. Indian stone beads had reached Africa very early on via the trade routes of the Near East. Later, during Murano's heyday between the 16th and 19th centuries, glass beads of Italian manufacture in particular found a ready market. 
 
Due to the value of the raw materials used, the jewellery was also an investment and was used in trade as pre-coinage means of payment.