We bought this nice piece in Addis Ababa a few years ago. Is antique, half of the 20th century and the story they told us is the following:
In East Ethiopia this type of pendant was given by the suitor to the girl he liked. The girls came to the market with this type of pendant on their clothes, in the hair or in the form of a necklace if it had "numerous" suitors and thus publicly demonstrated her beauty.
Aluminum is very recurring within Ethiopian jewelry, they used to melt the pans that came from Europe (Italia) to make beautiful pieces that do not rust or change color and that in turn are very light and comfortable to wear.
Completely handmade and decorated with 4 small red and blue resin dots of which one is missing.
What we like most about this little piece is the patina and touch it has. Unique piece.
The pendant is set on a long cotton thread with tiny silver beads ( no silver) de 80 cm long.