Western Africa, Benin, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A pair of heavy, dramatic necklaces, made of brass, one with seven panther-style claws hanging down from its center along with large, round beads interspersed with disc-shaped beads, the other with thirteen cobra-like long beads at the center alongside dozens of disc-shaped beads. Size of largest (they are similar in size): 27" L (68.6 cm)

Benin's best known works, its "bronzes", are usually made of brass that came from Europe in the form of manillas - trade money - and were melted down by Benin artisans to make items like these beads. These artisans came from a class of guildsmen who lived in groups close to royal authority and produced prestigious objects like this for wealthy, often royal patrons. By the early 20th century, this included the occupying British and other Europeans - who were amazed by the high quality of such objects because of their attitudes towards Africa and Africans.

Provenance: private Tacoma, Washington, USA collection

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#131459

Both have nice matte patina on their surfaces and are wearable.