This adornment, likely Bari of Southern Sudan, comprises a small tortoise carapace pendant attached to circle of plaited thick animal hide. The lower portion of the tortoise shell has been pierced with numerous holes, through which rings and fine chains of metal have been attached.
A similar example, described as a bracelet made of plaited hippopotamus leather and tortoiseshell, bequeathed by Henry Christy in 1865 can be found in the British Museum’s collection, which has been dated to circa 1856-1858. The curator notes for this object reference Samuel White Baker’s observation in the early 1860’s of a Bari chief wearing a ‘small land-tortoise shell’ ornament on his elbow.
In Southern Africa, such as South Africa and Namibia, tortoise carapace containers have attachments, such as strands of beads, similarly ‘sewn’ into the rear portion of the shells – such as this example in the British Museum’s collection.
References
The British Museum, 'Bracelet'
The British Museum, 'Container'
Length: 18 cm (shell and chain)
Total Length: 30 cm (from top of leather strap to end of chains)
(Click on images to enlarge)
