Solid Sterling Silver Ring – Fulani Peul Fulbe – Mali

Mid 20th century – The ring (sterling silver) is gr. 57,8 (2.03 oz); cm. 3,7 high (1.45”)  x cm. 4,2 width (1.65”). Internal diameter cm. 2,1 (0.82″); US size 11.00. An expression of tribal identity and of social status of the woman who wears them, jewels are also a form of savings, available in times of economic crisis in nomadic society.  These rings were used by men and women, like hair decorations, necklaces, pendants, rings for fingers and currency. They are also objects of protection. Fulani, also called Peul or Fulbe , a primarily Muslim people scattered throughout many parts of West Africa, from Lake Chad, in the east, to the Atlantic coast. They are concentrated principally in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal, and Niger. The Fulani were originally a pastoral people, and their lives and organization were dominated by the needs of their herds. The pastoral Fulani today enjoy greater prestige than town and sedentary agricultural Fulani as the most truly representative of Fulani culture.