Fulani Twisting Leaf Earrings

Fulani women wear large, twisted earrings, and everyone knows what they signify.

These are a contemporary version, in brass and gold, from Mali, made in the Fulani style. In the tradition, such earrings are worn as adornment and as a visible sign of family wealth.

Each is formed from hammered sheet metal folded into overlapping, twisting leaves that hang from a slim hoop. The surface has a bright golden sheen, and the hammer marks give the metal a gently faceted, handmade quality. Each is about an inch long.

Light on the ear. Heavy on the tradition.