Not currently on display at the V&A

Bangle

1850-1899 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Bracelets were part of traditional costume in most Islamic cultures, and were always originally worn in matching pairs. These were described as ‘Modern Egyptian’ when they were acquired by the Museum in 1904, but they are not a typical pattern. Although copper bracelets of this general shape are more common further south, the floral design is not characteristic of African traditional jewellery. They may represent a design worn in Egypt or Syria in the 19th century which is now extinct in the region.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Bangle
  • Bangle
Materials and techniques
Copper, incising
Brief description
Pair of penannular copper bracelets with incised vegetal decoration, Egypt, 1850-1899.
Physical description
Pair of cast copper penannular bracelets. Each has a shallow ridge along the centre and is decorated on the outside with stylised floral engravings. There is a small hole in the centre of each end.
Dimensions
  • Diameter: 7cm
  • Height: 2.5cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by Edmond Dresden
Object history
Accessions register entry: 'Pair of Bracelets of cast bronze, roughly chased. / Penannular and of flattened V-section, decorated with a symmetrical pattern of scrolls and leaves. / Modern Egyptian (?) / Each, diam. 2 9/16 in., W. 1 in.'
Summary
Bracelets were part of traditional costume in most Islamic cultures, and were always originally worn in matching pairs. These were described as ‘Modern Egyptian’ when they were acquired by the Museum in 1904, but they are not a typical pattern. Although copper bracelets of this general shape are more common further south, the floral design is not characteristic of African traditional jewellery. They may represent a design worn in Egypt or Syria in the 19th century which is now extinct in the region.
Collection
Accession number
329&A-1904

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Record createdApril 8, 2003
Record URL
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