West African Three-Bell Bracelet, Possibly Senufo, Côte d’Ivoire, Copper Alloy

This penannular copper-alloy bracelet is fitted with three hollow, slit-form bells containing loose sounding elements. Each bell produces an audible rattle when the bracelet is moved. The form is associated with West African sound-producing personal adornment, probably from the Côte d’Ivoire–Burkina Faso cultural region and possibly Senufo.

Made by the lost-wax casting process, the bracelet has closely spaced concentric ridges across the bells, ribbed junctions, a notched outer edge and flattened terminals. Surface wear, patination and casting irregularities are consistent with age and use. Its intact bells, compact form and documented collection history contribute to its collector interest.

SKU: EG 63

Circa: 1900–1950

Provenance: Egon Guenther collection, by family descent to Thomas Guenther collection.

Measurements: 7.66 × 8.97 × 1.96 cm

Weight: 66 g