Vintage 70s Articulated Figure Pendant Necklace • Modernist African Mask • Gold Tone • R.I. Bead & Comp
$34.99
Vintage 70s Articulated Figure Pendant Necklace • Modernist African Mask • Gold Tone • R.I. Bead & Comp
There's something quietly hypnotic about this piece. It moves.
Suspended from an 18" gold-plated curb chain, this articulated pendant depicts a stylized human figure with an elongated, oval mask-like face, raised arms forming a diamond arch overhead, two slender legs dangling freely below. The arms pivot where they meet the torso. The legs swing independently. Put it on and it comes alive with every step!
The design draws unmistakably from West African figural traditions, particularly the elongated oval faces and abstracted body forms seen in Baoulé and Fang sculpture, filtered through the modernist lens of 1970s American costume jewelry. It sits somewhere between brutalist statement piece and art object. The antiqued gold tone with deliberate dark oxidation in the recessed details gives it real visual depth and weight.
Stamped on the reverse: R.I. Bead & Comp™, a Rhode Island trade manufacturer working during the height of Providence's reign as the jewelry capital of the United States. This is not a mass-market import; it's a domestically produced, well-constructed piece from a serious manufacturing hub.
Deadstock condition and never worn. The articulated joints move freely and smoothly, the gold tone is clean and bright with intentional antiquing intact, and the chain is fully functional.
Pendant measures almost 3" in length.
A statement piece with genuine provenance, movement, and presence. Wearers of Miriam Haskell, Trifari, or brutalist modernist jewelry will feel right at home with this one.
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Visit www.topatomic.com to explore our full collection of vintage jewelry and accessories. Unique finds, timeless style - only at Top Atomic! 💎
✨If you would like to purchase a larger quantity than what is listed, please contact me before placing your order. I do have multiples of some items.✨
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept returns/exchanges?
The short answer is no, however refunds and exchanges will be handled on a case-by-case basis. You will be responsible for paying for your own non-refundable shipping costs for returning and receiving your item. We do not give refunds or exchanges due to color issues, size, wear and tear, jewelry damage after arrival, or if you just simply "don't like it". Please see "Care Instructions" for information on how to properly care for your vintage items.
If you have any questions about an item, please contact us BEFORE ordering, to insure the item is as you expected when it arrives. We try to list the details of every item, but encourage you to look at any pictures as well, and let us know if you have any questions.
Do you ship outside the U.S.?
At this time we are only able to ship to the U.S. Please check back often if you are not in the U.S., as we are hoping to add international shipping in the future.
Do you combine shipping costs if I want more than one item?
Yes! If you are interested in purchasing multiple items, I DO combine shipping! Etsy should automatically combine these costs at checkout however, if you notice that the shipping is double what you would normally pay, please contact me, and I will create a custom listing for you.
Can I see a photo of the item being worn?
We generally do not try on or wear the pieces for photographs, because they are previously unworn to begin with. Some people might feel it is unsanitary to purchase previously worn jewelry (earrings mainly). We do have some mannequin displays that allow us to show what it would look similar to while being worn. Please look at the measurements in the listing description to determine the sizes of each piece, and as always, please let us know if you have any questions about an item before purchasing.
Care instructions
Store jewelry at room temperature in a dry place.
• Excess moisture or heat can cause damage.
• Never immerse your jewelry in water.
• For best results, store each piece separately in a plastic zip bag.
• To clean your jewelry, use a soft cloth, such as a silver cleaning cloth.
Gold plated and silver plated items will not retain their color with prolonged daily wear.
If your jewelry breaks, we are happy to provide simple instructions and suggestions on how to repair a piece, if it is possible.
Vintage jewelry is often brittle from being stored for decades, but with proper care and handling, your jewelry will last for decades to come.