"Crown of Thorns"

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

Sterling silver "Crown of Thorns" necklace by Art Smith; designed circa 1948 and made circa 1948. Composed of small metal orbs extending from the collar, the necklace is meant to resemble the atom. The main body of the necklace is made of six, narrow, flat parts put together in a flexible manner and when worn, are flat against the neck. On the outside of each flat part are two small rods topped with a small silver ball, sticking out perpendicularly from the body of the necklace. These rods are also located at the joints of the flat part. The rods vary in length. One end of the necklace is flattened with a hole and the other end has a small rod acting as a hook to close the necklace. The inside of the necklace near the hook is stamped with Art Smith’s hallmark.

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