19th Century Hanging Bronze Protective Charm Depicting a Snake. Gan Culture, Burkina Faso

Hanging bronze pendants like these were tied to the calf, acting as protective charms. The protective charm depicts a finely cast snake adorned with decorative markings, whose head points downwards towards the ground. The surface of the pendant exhibits an oxidized patina.

Estimated Period: 19th Century

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Ex Private Collection, Switzerland 

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