1979.20.158.1

Collection type

Object

Description

Aluminium or tin ear stud with three-pronged base, part of a pair [RTS 12/5/2004].

Long description

White metal ear stud consisting of a flat upper surface, cut into a distinctive narrow shape with convex sides that become concave at its centre; these finish in two points at either end. A raised, rounded ridge runs down the length of this section. The shape is reminiscent of Lotuko shields; Langton suggested similarities to the form of some types of Larim headrests. The underside of this surface is flat, with thickening around the bases of three rectangular prongs that are attached at right angles to it, in a row running down the centre. The prongs splay out towards their ends, which look to have been compressed slightly through hammering. The metal from which this stud has been made is very light and soft, and currently a light gray colour (Pantone 420C), suggesting that it is probably either aluminium or tin. The object is complete and intact, with a series of shallow scratches on the upper surface exposing the original colour of the metal. It has a length of 35 mm, a maximum width of 11 mm and a thickness of 1 mm. The prongs are 4 mm wide at their ends. The stud weighs 2.3 grams [RTS 12/5/2004].

Geographical reference

South Sudan

Africa > Eastern Africa > South Sudan

Eastern Equatoria Napongayit

Cultural groups

Northern Laarim

Person

Field collector Patti Langton

PRM source Patti Langton

Date / Period

Date made: Before 1979

Date collected

24 March 1979

Acquisition information

Purchased: 1979

Materials and processes

Material Aluminium Metal, Material Tin Metal, Process Hammered

Dimensions

Length 35 mm, Width 11 mm, Thick 1 mm top plate, Width 4 mm end of prongs, Weight 2.3 g

Object numbers

Accession number: 1979.20.158.1 Other numbers: Langton Collection PL 42

Research and responses

Purchased by Patti Langton at Napongayit, in the Kerenge Clan area, for 50 piastres on the 24th March 1979, during the British Institute in East Africa's expedition to the Southern Sudan. This is one of a pair, known as kachikinu; for the other, see 1979.20.158.2. Despite this, the earrings are not identical, with one being notably longer than the other, while weighing less.

These earrings were made by specialist men, and worn by both men and women. Langton commented that all Larim children have their ears pierced with three holes, a pierced lip, and get their two lower incisors removed when they are around seven years old. For a different type of Larim earring, see 1979.20.190.

Is it possible that the shape is reminiscent of a type of shield? [RTS 12/5/2004].

Search terms: Ornament, Ear Ornament