Baoulé Cast Brass Bracelet, Côte d’Ivoire – West African Lost Wax Bronze Bangle

This substantial cast brass bracelet is attributed to the Baoulé culture of Côte d’Ivoire, part of the wider Akan cultural sphere of West Africa. Bracelets of this type were worn as personal adornment and could indicate social standing, wealth, or identity within the community. The bold, rounded form and engraved leaf-like motifs reflect established regional design traditions associated with Baoulé metalwork.

The bracelet was produced using the traditional lost-wax casting technique, a process widely practiced by West African metalworkers. The surface is decorated with radiating engraved leaf motifs arranged in segmented panels across the domed form. The metal shows a dark aged patina with visible wear consistent with age and use. The open break visible today appears to be an old structural fracture rather than the original form.

Circa: Early–Mid 20th century

Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection.

MEASUREMENTS
Diameter: 11.8 cm
Inner diameter: 7.5 cm
Weight: 551 g