SB.1.105
Bracelets (2/2)
Two bracelets. Giriama. Miji Kenda, Kenya. No 42: XI.I.4. A first bracelet is formed from several sections of elephant ivory assembled and has ebony inlays (?) And copper ties. The second, less delicate, is made up of several sections of perforated bones joined by vegetable rope. This type of bracelets was worn by healing sorcerers: "I also painted a witch doctor (...). He wore a thick bracelet of ivory cut from an elephant tusk. Another elder whom I portrayed in his ceremonial costume had three of these prized bracelets; I thought he probably wore them to show off his wealth "(Adamson. 1967: 299-301; pl. XXVIII). "This ivory armband is a symbol of the owner's membership in a secret society that controls much of the political power among the Miki Kenda of Kenya's coast. In western Kenya and parts of Uganda, limb ornaments are believed to effect cures of serious physical ailments" (Eugene C. Burt. Seattle Art Museum. 1986: 21).
Category: Bracelet
Location: Kenya
Dimension in Centimeters:
Length: 10.5
Width: 10
Height: 2
Other dim .: 1/2: 10.5 x 10 x 2 2/2: 9.5 x 9 x 1