Vintage Baule Cast Brass Medallion Disc Pendant and Shell Heishi Bead Necklace Approx 31"

Sorry, this item has sold.

This necklace is made with a large vintage brass bead in the shape of a disc or medallion, from the Baule in the Ivory Coast of Africa. The original Baule disc pendants were made by creating two discs and coiling fine threads of wax in a lost wax method. The "hole" runs through the entire center, which was achieved by laying the discs over a rod then joined. According to the British Museum, which holds pendants of these made of gold, "this style of pendant was typically worn by Asantehene's servants known as akra (soul-washers) although fewer of them are known. It is quite likely that this ornament was worn as a pendant at major public festivals as an item of courtly display." While these types of pendants were made by the Baule, it is believed they also became part of Asante culture when contact was made between the two peoples after 1730. This pendant is not nearly that old, made likely in the second half of the 20th century. It has been strung onto a necklace of relatively thick pin shell heishi, commonly used in Native American jewelry in the Southwest. The heishi beads are super fine and flat yet packed together tightly so that there is a smooth, serpent-like feel to it when you pull the necklace through your hand. There are also silver tone spacers that have a warm hue, as they reflect the warm tones of the shells. Finished off with a brass/bronze ornate hook and eye. The effect of the large pendant with the shells is dramatic yet earthy, African yet Southwestern. Definitely a unisex piece.

The pendant is 1-3/4" in diameter although measuring across the horizontal hole running through it, is more like 2-1/2" across. The necklace measures about 30-3/4" long, and the findings are bronzed brass. Total weight is 55g. The pendant is antique and has a small opening or hole in the back from wear over time.

A worldly one-of-a-kind necklace made with ancient materials from different cultures.

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Please convo with questions, or call (505) 369-6865. Will return your call as soon as possible.

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