Earrings (Kwottenai)
ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-ear ornaments-earrings
Culture
Fulani
Date20th Century
Made AtMali, Africa
MediumGold and yarn
DimensionsEach: 9 × 8 1/2 in. (22.9 × 21.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Bowers Museum Collectors Council
Object number97.13.1.1-.2
DescriptionPhysical beauty is immensely important to the Fulani, and adornments are an important way of improving one’s appearance. Despite their size and weight, the earrings usually hang from the lobe of the ear. As each earring weighs more than half a pound it is likely they would be supported by a supplemental strap. Earrings like these are very important to Fulani women who receive them from their groom or inherit them from their mother. Additional gold is added to earrings over time, increasing their value and prestige.On View
On viewCollections
c. 1830
