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This necklace is composed of antique Venetian
glass trading beads combined with Akan gold
beads.
In many
cultures throughout the world, gold has been
associated with status, power, prestige and
wealth. As early as the 15th century,
European merchants wrote about the richness
of African gold objects used for adornment and
intended for public display. Gold deposits were
discovered in all regions of Africa, and became
the most important commodity during pre-
colonial times. The region of the Akan,
spreading from the forest zone and costal
areas of Ghana to the southern shores of the
Ivory Coast, is the richest auriferous zone in
West Africa. Several individual tribes make up
the Akan people, the Asante and Baule being
among the most famous, all united by their
common ancestry and language. The royal
courts of the Akan people were reportedly the
most splendid in Africa. Oral tradition and
iconography in Akan works of art are very
closely connected. Verbal and visual symbolism
tells stories or proverbs. Imagery of royal
power on court ornaments carry out messages
that helps keep the balance and continuity
within the society.
During the late Middle Ages and throughout
the Renaissance, Venetian artisans
rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass
making. On the island of Murano, they created
superb vessels and jewelry which were valued
throughout the known world. It was also
during this period that Venice became the
most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city
whose ships visited every port both east and
west. Venetian traders used glass beads for
barter, and these jewels became especially
prized in Africa, where they were traded for
gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian
beads quickly became a medium of exchange
throughout Africa, and in some tribes were
used as a bridal dowry.
- (FJ.7293)
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