Gan Bronze Pendant, Burkina Faso, Based

Four ribbed bands, bent into a zigzag. A creature, mid-stride, around someone’s neck.

The Gan of Burkina Faso cast this lively bronze pendant in the 20th century. Among the Gan, small cast bronze ornaments were worn on the body and were often associated with personal protection. Several of the bands end in small pointed heads with incised detail, two short legs hang below, and a loop at the apex would once have held a cord.

The patina is dark brown with golden highlights where the raised ribs catch the light. On a stand, it spans about eight inches. It still seems to be moving.