Description

Adornment from the Sahara has always been characterised by protective symbolism.
In the past, conus shells were traded as a form of currency but were also appreciated for their protective powers.
This conch shell amulet and bronze adornment are attached to a leather backing, suspended from a leather strand with twist closure.
Collected in Mali.

Length of leather: 52 cm (20 inches)
Dimensions of the amulet:  8,5 cm (3 1/4 inches) long and 4,5 cm (1 3/4 inches) wide

For a similar example, please see – The Splendor of Ethnic Jewelry – by France Borel – 1994, p. 96