Nose Ornament (nelo) c. 19th century

This 19th-century "Nose Ornament (nelo)" is a beautifully crafted example of traditional jewelry from the Nilotic cultures of Africa. The ornament is made from a shell that has been carefully cut and shaped into a geometric design. It is decorated with beads, and the shape suggests that it would have been worn on the nose, likely as a sign of status or cultural identity. The piece, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the Nilotic peoples.