A PAIR OF NIGERIAN BRASS OGBA ANKLETS

Igbo People, Nigeria, Late 19th/Early 20th Century
Each of disc form, with incised and punched geometric decoration, approx diameter 35cm

Provenance:

Reputedly given to Reginald Arthur Roberts, whilst he was the Colonial Service Resident in Onitsha from 1906. Part of this province included Awka, where these types of anklets were mostly manufactured.

Condition report:

- Several old patch repairs to the insides
- Build up of verdigris and tarnishing throughout
- Slightly bent and misshapen

Footnote:

Brass anklets such as this (known locally as 'ogba' or 'adala') were worn by the wives of Igbo men of rank and status. They were made by specialist blacksmiths who cold hammered the brass into these striking forms. Once attached they were sometimes worn permanently into middle age. They were usually made in matching pairs with geometric and zoomorphic surface decoration including spirals representing snakes; radial lines suggesting the sun's rays; arcs or wavy lines representing water; and depictions of lizards or crocodiles.