Piece of jewellery, necklace anhang, originated from Asante, Ghana
 
Material:
Gold alloy in high fineness.
 
Dimensions:
H 1,5 cm. W 2 cm.
 
Provenance:
David Collection, Switzerland
 
For centuries, the precious metal of the former "Gold Coast" of Africa was the object of interest and desire of African and European merchants. Through trade, powerful states rose up whose wealth and skill in gold processing became a legend. Thus, masterly pieces of jewellery were created at the Akan royal courts using highly developed manufacturing processes, especially the lost wax process.
 
Even today, gold jewellery serves as a sign of rank and affiliation at festivities of the royal families. The strong expressiveness of these unique pieces reflects the rich metaphors of the Akan and is based on the tradition of the highly esteemed art of oratory.
 
The motifs depicted always refer to persons, animals or objects that allegorically stand for praiseworthy qualities and aphorisms.
 
Further reading:
Ross, Doran and Eisner, Georg (2008). The Gold of the Akan. Museum Liaunig. Neuhaus: Museumsverwaltung GmbH.