Wodaabe Brass Anklet Antique African Currency Bracelets Priv. Coll. Museum Quality PAIR Multi Generational Wear Start Price USD 1,495.00 Current Price USD 1,495.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 24, 2008 End Time Sunday, July 27, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Wodaabe Brass Anklet Antique African Currency Bracelets' Description   Wodaabe Brass Anklet Original Matched PairAntique West African Currency Bracelets Niger     Massive Original Pair of Wodaabe Bronze Anklets - Intricate DesignsAntique West African Currency Bracelet - Primitive Money - Niger Collected from the: Wodaabe peoples of the Niger region of West AfricaMaterial: Brass, mold cast of copper/zinc alloyPeriod: 19th century, conservativelyDimensions: 6" height, 6" outermost diameter, .5" openingat back; combined weight is 7.15 pounds Condition: Excellent. Exquisite signs of age with skin oil burnished interior from extensive tribal wear and use. Held in private collection, the condition of this spectacular pair remains unchanged from the time of their original 1940's field acquisition. Make special note of the anticipated minute imperfections typical of the early hand forging process along with the telltale marks of the annual 'sand scrubbings' which proclaim multi generational use. This original early pair displays small hairline fractures as expected in anklets of this size, tool signatures appear appropriate for the period. Gorgeous patina, beautifully accentuated with generous brassy highlights - a true museum quality set! Please click on the photos below to fully appreciate this remarkable old piece! And be sure to see the amazing AFRICAN CURRENCY in our eBay store! Or explore our beautiful AFRICAN BRONZES ! Click Images to Enlarge Wodaabe Anklet InformationA remarkably similar pair is depicted in Blandin's Afrique de l'Quest: Bronzes et Autres Alliages "To the nomads Peul Wodaabe of Niger, the girls "Surbaabe" carry these massive anklets, sometimes two on each leg, with a protection of rolled fabric bands around the calf. The anklets are fabricated by Hausa blacksmiths, who decorate them according to the instructions of the person who orders them, with traditional Wodaabe symbols which show artist influence of the Tuareg and Berber. These large brass anklets, undoubtedly heat forged from an ingot of metal, decorated with designs of Islamic origin are one of the most well known models of the bracelets worn by the young Peul women. One finds representations of them on page 158 of "Sumptuous Africa" of A. Fisher, on page 484 of "In the Sahara" of J Gabus, and in "Nomads of Niger" of C Becwith." Wodaabe Tribal HistoryA nomadic subgroup of the larger Fulani tribe, the freedom loving Wodaabe herders roam throughout the northern Nigeria and southwestern Niger states of West Africa. Cattle and beauty in all things, especially physical, are the most important aspects of Wodaabe life. Wodaabe herders spend their lives in constant search of fresh graze and water for their cattle, trading dairy products with villages along their route. The beautifully dyed Wodaabe cloth is highly sought in West African and international markets. Cat. # ncpb10 ************************************************************************************ THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!! 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