This attractive and wearable brass bracelet was made by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is cast in the form of a wide band that is centrally constricted into an incised-decoration bar that bears a series of small, rounded eminences. Each side of the band is decorated with relief triangle demarcated with beading, which is also visible at the end of each terminus. The metal has developed a dark patina of age and wear.
The Yoruba are a Central Nigerian tribal group, originally descended from a Hausa migration from the northeast in about 900 AD. A small kingdom – Ile Ife – was founded by Oduduwa, followed by great sociopolitical expansion into Southwest Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. The influence of the city was felt far beyond these boundaries, however, and many smaller political entities were held under its sway. Communities were presided over by the Oba (king) and various senates (Ogboni), and councils made up of guild leaders, merchants and the lesser aristocracy (related to the Oba). The Yoruba have an exceptionally rich and diverse mythology, history and religious context, all of which are directly linked to their artistic output. They are also noted for their decoration of secular objects such as this.
This is an attractive piece of African jewellery.