Credit: Portrait of a woman by Ibrahima Sall

SIGNIFICANCE OF GOLD IN SENEGAL CULTURE

From past to present, there has been a deeply rooted significance of gold in Senegal culture. The local women use gold to present themselves in society. The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art had an exhibit that proudly displays Senegal culture and Senegal’s rich history with gold. “Good as Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women” featured over 250 works of West African jewelry. After completing decades of research in Senegal, art historian Marian Ashby Johnson gifted her findings to the Museum.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GOLD IN SENEGAL CULTURE AND FASHION

THE POWER OF GOLD

By the late 18th century, a class of Afro-European women emerged who would later come to be known as signares. Signare is a combined Portuguese and French term to describe these women who would temporarily marry European men to inherit their wealth from the gold and slave trade. Although it is complex in nature, the story of Signares highlights how women have used gold to build their self-worth and nourish generations to come. Often, these masterpieces are also used as home décor or art to infuse color and energy into their homes.

Complicated gold necklaces designed with flowers or butterflies showcase a high level of craftsmanship with tiny filigreed wires twisted into soaring tubular shapes, or twined into bracelets that seem almost too heavy to wear.

Credit: Smithsonianmag.com

Often in a dimly lit room, a teugue creates the impressive gold pieces Senegalese women wear. With only a single light bulb and a small furnace to melt the gold, these Senegalese goldsmiths delicately craft intricately designed and uniquely-made jewelry. 
Museum director Gus Casley-Hayford believes in the power of gold as a means to continue to tell people’s stories. The artworks tell deeper stories and habits of a Senegalese woman’s life. “Good as Gold '' shares the history of gold that connects Senegalese women.

SIGNIFICANCE OF GOLD IN SENEGAL CULTURE AND MODERN APPLICATIONS

Consider exploring Faty Ly’s ceramics collection for inspiring contemporary African design that extends Senegal’s exploration and integration of this precious metal.

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