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1979.20.39

Heavy annular iron bracelet with oval section, made from reworked hoes, formerly used as bride wealth [RTS 22/3/2004].

1979.20.39

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Collection type
Object
Description
Heavy annular iron bracelet with oval section, made from reworked hoes, formerly used as bride wealth [RTS 22/3/2004].
Long description
Heavy and large annular iron bracelet made from a thick rod with slightly oval section, bent into an oval loop with the ends touching one another. The rod itself is slightly swollen above the ends. The surface, which is currently a dark reddish brown colour from corrosion (Pantone 440C), is covered with hammer marks; the object is complete and intact. The internal diameter is quite wide, suggesting that this may have been used on the upper arm rather than the wrist. Length 156 mm, width 150.7 mm, internal diameter 96.8 mm, width and thickness of rod 29.5 x 30.3 mm. It weighs approximately 2200 grams, and is the heaviest of the three bracelets of this type collected by Patti Langton [RTS 22/3/2004].
Geographical reference
South Sudan
Africa > Eastern Africa > South Sudan
Western Equatoria Lui Lanyi
Cultural groups
Moru Misa
Person
Field collector Patti Langton
PRM source Patti Langton
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1979
Date collected
Between 27 January and 5 February 1979
Acquisition information
Purchased: 1979
Materials and processes
Material Iron Metal, Process Forged (Metal), Process Hammered, Process Recycled
Dimensions
Length: max 156 mm, Width: max 150.7 mm, Depth: max 30 mm, Weight 2200 g
Object numbers
Accession number: 1979.20.39
Research and responses

The place and date of collection is not noted, but judging by other objects with this information, the expedition was collecting Moru material from Lui and Lanyi between 27/1/1979 and 5/2/1979. For similar objects, see 1979.20.40-41.

This type of object is known as begyi, and they come in round and square sectioned varieties; they are made from recycled hoes. Groups of 10 to 20 of these used to be given as brideswealth; nowadays money is used in their place. It is said that older blacksmiths still produce them. For similar examples, see 1979.20.40-41, and for a square sectioned example, see 1979.20.42. The Moru Misa also use square sectioned iron bars, called lutu, and round sectioned rods, called mbili, for this purpose; for examples of the latter, see 1979.20.37-38. These are essentially straight begyi. [RTS 6/9/2005].

Search terms: Ornament, Marriage, Ritual and Ceremonial, Status, Currency, Arm Ornament, Ceremonial Object

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