Cameroonian Figural Bracelet Depicting 2 Birds

Two birds, side by side, going nowhere. They seem content.

This cast bronze bracelet is from Cameroon, made in the 20th century. In the Cameroon Grassfields, metal ornaments of this kind were worn as marks of status and prestige, and figural details added meaning as well as beauty.

The open band is cast as a thick twisted rope, its strands spiraling to rounded terminals that nearly meet. At the top, two compact birds sit with heads raised, bodies worn soft from wear. The bronze is golden-brown, with green in the recesses. About two and a half inches tall on its black stand.

A bracelet that prefers company.