Old Beautiful Large Fulani Wodaabe Anklet – Chad – Former French Collection

Brass. Weight: 1,008 g (35.56 oz). Height: 15.5 cm (6.10 in).

In its basic form, the anklet is shaped like a double cone with a central ridge. When in use, it is ‘backed’ with inlaid textiles so as not to scour the woman’s leg. The anklet consists of yellow cast-alloy (brass), executed with ‘waste mould’ casting, chased, and on its outer side hallmarked with ring and dot-ring motifs, densely engraved and hatched with variegated, linear decorative forms.

The Wodaabe is a name that is used to designate a subgroup of the Fula ethnic group who are traditionally nomadic found primarily in Niger and Chad.

The Wodaabe are cattle-herders and traders in the Sahel, with migrations stretching from southern Niger, through northern Nigeria, northeastern Cameroon, southwestern Chad, western region of the Central African Republic and the northeastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The number of Wodaabe was estimated to be 100,000. They are known for their elaborate attire and rich cultural ceremonies.

Lit.: ‘Afrika im Schmuck’ by Angela Fisher, ill. p. 158

m25