Bracelet with cannon ornament and coin pendants c. late 19th century

This bracelet with cannon ornament and coin pendants was made by a Fon artist. The Fon people, who live in present-day Benin, West Africa, have a rich history shaped by trade, spirituality, and colonial encounters. Bracelets such as this one were made from silver and would have been worn to demonstrate allegiance to a specific power. At its center there is a cannon, a potent symbol of power and military might. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Fon Kingdom of Dahomey engaged in extensive trade with Europeans, including the exchange of goods for weapons. The cannon on this bracelet likely represents this relationship and the kingdom's access to European technology. Coin pendants hang from the bracelet, which visually represents economic transactions, and the integration of foreign currencies. The bracelet is a striking example of how cultural identity, economic exchange, and military power converged in the art of the Fon people. It serves as a reminder of the complex relationships that developed between Africa and Europe during the era of trade and colonialism.