Necklace with cylinderical ornament and coin pendants c. late 19th century

This necklace, adorned with a cylindrical ornament and coin pendants, was created by the Fon people. As you look closely, consider the weight of history embedded in each element. The Fon, originating from present-day Benin, have a rich artistic tradition deeply intertwined with their social structure and spiritual beliefs. Metalwork, like this necklace, often signified status and identity within the community. The use of coins is particularly evocative, hinting at trade, economic power, and perhaps the complex colonial history that shaped West Africa. These coins, once currency, are now transformed into adornment, a potent symbol of cultural endurance and adaptation. Reflect on the wearer of this necklace – what did it mean to them? How did it feel against their skin, and what stories did it tell about their life and lineage? The necklace transcends mere decoration; it embodies the intersection of personal narrative and collective memory.