Cameroonian Bronze Figural Ring

Cameroon, 20th century, and a ring with a figure curled into it.

The Grassfields are well known for lost-wax brass casting, and rings and other personal ornaments were made for adornment and display. This bronze one rises from the band into a stylized figure that forms the top, its rounded head and body pressed against the curve of the hoop.

The surface is rough and granular, dark, with brassy gold where handling has worn the high points. Less than two inches wide and about an inch high.

Small, and hard to put down.