This radiographed gem, called Sassoum I, is a grigri or a talisman. It reflects the strength and flexibility we need to keep our own identity while staying curious about what other cultures can offer. It is the alloy of Africa, Europe, and America… This sterling silver bracelet, hand-made in Senegal, was commissioned from Fula designer Sassoum Niang in 2009.
BRACELET/
BRACHILE, BRACEL
Catherine Örmen
n.
Bleu ou rose, il identifie le bébé dans les maternités. Porte-bonheur, il conjure le mauvais oeil, mais peut, a contrario, vouloir attirer tous les regards : c’est alors un bracelet siliconé, estampillé de logos publicitaires. Technologique, antistatique ou électronique, il se fait thermomètre, tachymètre, baromètre, et peut mesurer le nombre de pas, les profondeurs marines, ou tout simplement, le temps. Ne connaissant aucune limite dans l’étalage de ses richesses, le bracelet (du latin brachile, bras, et du vieux français bracel) est devenu un accessoire de mode qui, tel un caméléon, adopte le style de chaque époque.
n.
When blue or pink, it is used to identify babies in the maternity wards. As a lucky charm, it wards off the evil eye; it can, on the other hand, be meant to attract looks too, as in the case of a rubberised bracelet covered with advertising logos. The bracelet can be technological, antistatic or electronic, operating as a thermometer or barometer, or used to measure the number of steps taken, the extent of marine depths, or quite simply, the time. With no limitations as to how it displays its treasures, the bracelet (derived from the latin word for arm, brachile, and from the old french bracel) has become a fashion accessory that, chameleon-like, adapts to the differing styles of each era.