Βαρύ βραχιόλι από κράμα χαλκού – Πολιτιστική περιοχή Dan / Wé – Ακτή Ελεφαντοδώρου / Λιβερία (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

Heavy Copper-Alloy Bracelet – Dan / Wé Cultural Area – Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia

Origin: Côte d’Ivoire / Liberia border region
People: Dan / Wé (Guéré) cultural area, attributed
Type: Heavy open bracelet / arm ornament
Material: Copper-rich alloy
Dimensions: Approx. 10 × 8.5 cm
Weight: 219 g
Period: Probably first half to mid-20th century
Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner in the early 1990s

A fine and sculptural copper-alloy bracelet attributed to the Dan / Wé cultural area of western Côte d’Ivoire and neighbouring Liberia.

This heavy open bracelet belongs to a wider tradition of cast copper-alloy ornaments, some examples of which are documented in museum collections under the names Gedje, Zanga or Vangoué.

The Musée des Confluences in Lyon preserves a related bracelet attributed to the Wé, Guéré and Dan cultural groups (inventory no. 60008783). The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art also holds comparable C-shaped copper-alloy objects from this region, illustrating the diversity of forms and functions associated with this tradition.

The present example is especially appealing for the sculptural treatment of its two terminals. Each end widens into a powerful, slightly flared projection, accompanied by three small rounded bosses and finely worked bands of parallel incisions.

The upper sections display elegant concentric curves, creating a remarkable sense of movement. These richly decorated areas contrast beautifully with the smoother, rounded lower part of the bracelet.

The metal is clearly copper-rich in appearance, with a warm reddish-brown patina, golden highlights on the raised surfaces and darker oxidation in the recessed areas.

The combination of its considerable weight, open circular form and intricate decorative treatment gives the object a strong sculptural presence.

Although similar objects are commonly described as bracelets or arm ornaments, related heavy copper-alloy forms from the Dan region have also been associated with ritual practices. The precise original function of this particular example cannot be established with certainty.

An attractive and expressive West African metalwork piece, remarkable for its powerful silhouette, beautifully worked terminals and rich old patina.

A Personal Note

We love how this bracelet seems to have been designed by a sculptor with a weakness for mechanics. Its two ends look ready to start a conversation, while the engraved lines send the eye spinning around the curve. A surprisingly animated object for 219 grams of metal!

Condition

Good overall condition, with wear, oxidation, surface marks, small casting irregularities and age-related deposits.

The surface displays an attractive old patina, with reddish-brown and golden coppery highlights, darker areas and localised traces of green oxidation.

The decoration remains clearly visible.

Please refer carefully to the photographs.

Included

The bracelet only.

The small photographic support is not included.