Ethiopian Micellaneous Brass Pendants and Yoruba Brass Money Belt Segment

This miscellaneous lot includes two traditional Ethiopian brass pendants and one segment from a Yoruba brass money belt, representing two distinct African metalworking traditions. Each piece displays age-related wear consistent with older handcrafted brass artifacts. 

The two flat brass pendants, one round and one square/rounded, are characteristic of Ethiopian metalwork, which often incorporates pierced openings, raised centers, and geometric stamping. Both pendants exhibit aged patina, hand-tooled textures, and functional attachment holes typical of pendants worn as amulets or elements of larger necklaces. These pendants were traditionally worn as protective talismans or as part of layered adornment, reflecting Ethiopia’s long-standing heritage of symbolic jewelry. 

The third item a chain-like brass segment composed of interlinked heavy rings, some with textured surfaces, is consistent with the construction of Yoruba brass money belts. These belts originally formed long chains or linked sections decorated with cast rings and plates, worn by individuals of high rank within Yoruba society. Such belts symbolized wealth, prestige, and ceremonial standing, and even a small surviving segment offers insight into their craftsmanship and cultural role. 

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