Gan Brass Armlet. Burkina Faso, African Jewelry

Title: Bronze/brass Armlet, Burkina Faso

Type of Object:  Bracelet
Ethnic Group: Gan
Country of Origin: Burkina Faso
Materials: Bronze/Brass or Copper Alloy
Approximate Age: Mid 20th Century
Dimensions: 4.5 inches
Overall Condition: Good
Damage, Repair: Surface Oxidation, stains

Additional Information:  This well cast bracelet comes from the Gan people who now live in Burkina Faso in the region of the town Obire, close to their more prominent neighbors the Lobi. This proximity has lead to confusion of metal ornaments and sculpture often attributing to the Lobi works created by the Gan. The Gan are a small group who was intensively used metal to cast variety of art works including jewelry, figures, tools etc. many of which  have  symbolic and ritual significance. This example was worn as a bracelet.

 This armlet is beautifully detailed with  lines particularly fine on each end. This is a  well done jewelry  that could date to the mid part of the 20^th Century. 

Recommended Reading: 

Goy, Bertrand,  Bronzes gan, La spirale du serpent, 2005.