Bracelet Date Unknown

This bracelet was created in Djenne, Mali, using the lost wax casting technique. It's a fine example of bronze work from the region. The bracelet's form and appearance are deeply intertwined with the labor and artistry involved in its creation. Molten bronze was carefully poured into a mold. Once cooled, the mold would be broken to reveal the finished bracelet. The process gave shape to the metal, while also imbuing it with social and cultural significance. The spiral motifs and zoomorphic terminals that you see here, testify to the cultural traditions of adornment. The bracelet displays the knowledge of metalworking, and material understanding, while the process reflects the social values attached to the material. Looking at this bracelet, it is easy to appreciate how its form, decoration, and material are closely associated with aesthetics, and how such traditions challenge distinctions between art, craft, and design.