Kotoko Ring with Bird Motif

A bird on a ring. Think of the finger.

Among the Kotoko and their neighbors near Lake Chad, cast rings were worn as adornment and could also signal status or carry protective meaning. This one is bronze, 20th century. The plain round band rises to a bird with an upturned head and beak, round eyes set in a textured face, and short wings extending to either side.

The bright golden metal is polished on the high points, with darker deposits settled in the recesses and along the band.

Two inches high. More sculpture than jewelry, but still happy to be worn.