This is now on auction on Ebay. Please go to my
About Me
page to reach the listing.
THE CARVED BONE BANGLE
Or Is It IVORY?
I have not been able to determine the material 100% one way or the other, yet. This is because of the intricacy of the carving, leaving no surface truly untouched by the artist's tool. Combined with the dirt of many years, makes it difficult to see the grain lines as clearly as I would like and I am hesitant to do a hot pin test quite yet. The lining of the bracelet is solid brass (8" internal circumference). The section dividers are solid to the lining, not pieced in, which makes it all the more amazing in construction. This is definately a very old piece, no matter what it is made of.
One of the Jewelcollect members, Maryalice Cheesman, sent this message:
"I may have the answer! Several years ago I handled an estate with a bunch of items that had been in the Smithsonian on loan; among them was a number of pieces of "Singalese" silver, not jewelry, but little bowls and boxes. Sold them for a lot of money never having a clue what country "Singalese" referred to! And still don't know ... Ceylon? Some forgotten colony in Africa? One of these pieces had a scene SO EXACTLY like this in technique and subject that it's got to be in that area. Wherever that may be!"
Actually she may be correct. Singhalese, Ceylonese and Bali may all be a distinct posibility, from seaching the internet. We may never know for sure, but one thing is certain... it is a stunning piece of jewelry and my only hope is that it eventually finds a great home.
