Description: These massive bracelets have a fine honey brown patina and significant age cracks signifying that they are made from pre-ban ivory and were for Tribal use. While it is quite difficult to accurately date ivory it is likely that these date from around the late 19th century. Post ban African ivory is pale blonde in color but antique African ivory has a yellowish brown appearance which it obtains as it is worn against the skin and frequently handled.
While tribal african bracelets made of ivory are common ones of this magnitude are exceptionally rare. These bracelets were almost certainly made for "royalty" within the nation from which it came as Ivory was a highly prized commodity.
THIS ITEM IS NOT FOR SALE AND IS FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY
Location of Origin: Africa
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Medium/Materials: Antique Elephant Ivory
Dimensions: The larger 5in diameter x 2.75in width and the smaller 4.5in diameter x 2.5in width x 1.25in thick .
Provenance: Private American collection
Expertise:
Compare to the single bracelet sold at Sothebys Paris June 16 2010 for 23,550 Euro (Sale PF1017 lot 78)
This item cannot be shipped outside the United States. I do not support the killing of elephants for Ivory.)
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THIS ITEM IS NOT FOR SALE AND IS FOR DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY