Description

Rare Fulani silver pendant collected in Niger.
Fulani women take great pride in their personal appearance and wear various types of jewellery.
Finely adorned and of considerable weight, this type of Fulani silver pendant is worn close to the neck area.
This pendant likely belonged to a woman of high status and wealth.
Gentle patina, 800 silver, 20th century.
Collected in Tillabéri, Niger.

Largest inner diameter: 4 cm
Largest outer diameter: 6 cm
Thickness: 3 cm
Weight: 328 g

About the FULANI
The Fulani are a diverse, culturally linked ethnic group, living primarily in the Sahel and West Africa.
Fulani jewellery is distinctive, beautiful, well crafted, as well as symbolic.
Traditionally, Fulani jewelry is in solid silver or silver alloys. Historically, wealth among Fulani pastoralist families is displayed in the form of jewelry.
Jewellery is not only adornment, but also, portable wealth.
The most iconic of Fulani jewellery are in fact, the large ‘kwottenai kanye” earrings.
These large crescent shape earrings, made of hammered gold, are light despite their size.
Women from wealthy families wear the largest and most elaborate versions.
Fulani women take out their best jewellery for festive events and ceremonies.
Jewellery and adornment play an important role in the Fulani cultural identity.
They are symbols of wealth, social status, family heritage, beauty and prestige.