1883

NIGERIA: rotl necklace

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Ethnographic Start Price:140.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 250.00 USD
NIGERIA: rotl necklace
SOLD
160.00USD+ (32.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2021 May 14 @ 21:29UTC-7 : PDT/MST
PLEASE NOTE: You must request a bid limit when you register. If you would like to have a large bid limit, you must provide adequate references, or you must have previously established strong credit history with our company. Late registration may result in delayed approval.
NIGERIA: rotl necklace, Opitz p.288, 240mm, necklace made from cowrie shells with two blue small trade beads, likely during the late 19th or early 20th century, RR, ex Charles Opitz Collection. Cowries circulated as money in Africa well into the 20th century. Cowries were worked up to adornments or used as decorations for weapons and garments over centuries. Moreover, cowries were said to have magical power – especially to guarantee a long life and female fertility. To wear cowrie jewelry guaranteed this magic; besides, it was also a comfortable way to always have some money at hand. A very similar example is discussed and pictured in Nigerian Currencies by Sven-Olof Johansson.