(back to top)

Although sculpture representing animal and human forms is almost non-existent among such Muslim peoples as the Tukulor, Wolof and Peul, their accomplishments in other arts such as weaving, leatherwork, gourd decoration and jewelry are noteworthy.

Jewelry items such this example form an important part of a woman’s personal prestige and wealth. Most are composed of silver alloy parts that are soldered together, then gilded, that is, covered with a gold wash. This technique and some stylistic elements of this type of jewelry are part of a centuries-old tradition found in Western Africa, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean world.