Necklace with pendant c. late 19th century

This necklace with pendant was made by a Fon artist, and is currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It is made entirely of silver. The metal has been painstakingly crafted; the chain alone is made of hundreds of small links, each one individually formed and connected. The pendant features small, delicate objects, all constructed with the same attention to detail. The labor required to create this piece is immense. The Fon people, from present-day Benin, have a rich tradition of metalworking, often associated with royal power. Wearing an object like this would have been a display of status, not only because of the inherent value of the silver, but also as a testament to the skills of the Fon artisans. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple objects can be imbued with deep social and cultural meaning through the act of making. When we look at this necklace, we can see how craft traditions can intertwine with expressions of power, identity, and artistry.