Venus Vintage Jewelry
Vintage Smithsonian Institution Gold Tone African Mask Brooch Pendant & Pierced Earrings
$30 SALE $36You save $6
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This vintage set from the Smithsonian Institute collection includes a gold-plated African tribal mask brooch which can be worn as a pendant on the gold-tone chain and matching mask earrings.
The brooch is 1 3/4" high and 1 1/16" wide. The pin stem has a safety clasp. The textured oval link chain is 24" long and has a spring-ring clasp.
The earrings are 1 1/8" high and 5/8" wide at the center. The posts have new clear vinyl clutches. The earring are a slightly lighter gold hue but since they will be worn about 12" away from the pendant few people will notice.
All three pieces have the round "Smithsonian Institute" mark. The set is in very fine, unworn condition.
The texture of the masks are explained in this excerpt from the Smithsonian website:
Time Life photographer Eliot Elisofon photographed a group of Kyaman smiths at work crafting gold pendants in Anna Village, in 1972. Threads of wax were applied over a thin clay base to form the pendant. The wax surface was brushed with leaf juice to clean it and a mold was formed. Gold was then poured into the mold, which was broken after the metal had cooled. After documenting the entire process, he purchased this pendant and later gifted it to the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.
The brooch is 1 3/4" high and 1 1/16" wide. The pin stem has a safety clasp. The textured oval link chain is 24" long and has a spring-ring clasp.
The earrings are 1 1/8" high and 5/8" wide at the center. The posts have new clear vinyl clutches. The earring are a slightly lighter gold hue but since they will be worn about 12" away from the pendant few people will notice.
All three pieces have the round "Smithsonian Institute" mark. The set is in very fine, unworn condition.
The texture of the masks are explained in this excerpt from the Smithsonian website:
Time Life photographer Eliot Elisofon photographed a group of Kyaman smiths at work crafting gold pendants in Anna Village, in 1972. Threads of wax were applied over a thin clay base to form the pendant. The wax surface was brushed with leaf juice to clean it and a mold was formed. Gold was then poured into the mold, which was broken after the metal had cooled. After documenting the entire process, he purchased this pendant and later gifted it to the National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Item id: Smithsonian GP African Mask Pendant/Brooch & Ears
Type: Costume, Signed
Color: Gold
Style: Ethnic, Tribal
Item type: Vintage
Material: Gold Plate
Type: Costume, Signed
Color: Gold
Style: Ethnic, Tribal
Item type: Vintage
Material: Gold Plate
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