Code: RG64

OBJECT STUDY

A lance-shaped bezel dominates the finger, its surface packed with deep cobalt enamel work rather than cut lapis lazuli. The enamel field is fractured with age, exposing the bronze substrate beneath in irregular scatter points across the face. Geometric inlay segments, amber-yellow rounds, a single pale turquoise square, and rust-brown triangular fills, are arranged along a central axis flanked by incised arch motifs. The bronzework carries a warm tobacco patina with localized verdigris pitting. The underside of the bezel is undecorated, smoothed dark from contact. The shank is a flat open-sided band, adjustable by compression, with visible tool marks along the interior curve. Construction aligns with East African metalsmithing traditions that combined cloisonné-adjacent enamel fills within cast or hammered bronze frameworks.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

• Metal: Bronze alloy, not silver, tobacco-brown patina with verdigris pockets
• Face: Polychrome enamel inlay, cobalt ground with amber, turquoise, and red-brown segments
• Bezel form: Elongated navette, pointed tip, approximately 5cm face length
• Shank: Open flat band, adjustable, unlined interior
• Condition: Enamel loss at edges, pitting throughout, heavy wear consistent with age