Beaded leather cuff bracelet

Beaded leather cuff bracelet, Orun Ileke type – attributed to Yoruba – Nigeria – Leather and glass beads Details Origin: attributed to Yoruba people Country: Nigeria Object type: Beaded leather cuff bracelet, Orun Ileke type Material: Leather, glass beads, probably plant fibre / straw core Dimensions: approx. 9 cm diameter, 4 cm wide Period: mid-20th century Provenance: Collected by the current owner Custom display stand: not included Description A fine West African beaded leather cuff bracelet, attributed to the Yoruba people of Nigeria. This type of rigid bracelet belongs to the rich tradition of Yoruba beadwork, in which small glass beads were used to create colourful and highly graphic personal ornaments. The bracelet has a strong sculptural presence, with a thick rounded structure covered in aged leather and decorated with glass beadwork. The inner side shows a deeply patinated leather surface, with four raised structural ribs, probably formed by plant fibre or straw elements beneath the leather. The beadwork combines red, black, green, white and translucent yellow glass beads, arranged in bold geometric fields. The contrast between the dark leather, the rounded form and the colourful bead decoration gives the object a particularly attractive visual character. A very appealing mid-20th century Yoruba-type beaded cuff bracelet, appreciated for its graphic quality, tactile construction and strong patina of use. Condition Good used condition overall. Wear, abrasions, leather dryness, surface marks and small irregularities consistent with age and use. The leather is strongly patinated. Minor bead losses or looseness may be present. Please refer to the photographs. Included The bracelet only. No display stand included.

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