Description
Artists among the Tekna people and Moors in Northern Africa create silver jewelry in bold forms that stand in stark contrast with the region’s arid environment. Objects from Guelmim in Morocco usually include deeply etched geometric patterns, and are adorned with raised beads or projecting studs. Those from Boutilimit in Mauritania feature large square plates delicately etched with meandering motifs.
Provenance
Unnamed dealer, Tiznit, Morocco, before 2009; sold to Ivo Grammet, Essaouira, Morocco, before 2009 [purchased in Guelmim, Morocco, documentation in curatorial file]; sold to the Art Institute, 2009.
Accession Number
201820
Medium
Wood, silver, copper, amber, silk, and carnelian
Dimensions
Flat/Extended: 76.2 × 14 × 3.9 cm (30 × 5 1/2 × 1 1/2 in.)
Classification
jewelry
Credit Line
Alsdorf Foundation - James and Marilynn Alsdorf Acquisition Fund