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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.
This sumptuous
necklace, with its large central pendant, was
surely intended for the chief of an Akan village or
the king of an individual tribe. The central
pendant is decorated with a large bird in the
middle surrounded by eight smaller birds. Given
the symbolic nature of Akan art, it is safe to
assume that this scene represents a parable or
proverb. Perhaps the king is represented by the
middle bird while his court surrounds him,
patiently waiting to perform his next command.
This gorgeous necklace is so stunning not so
much for the inherent worth and splendor of the
material, but more for the outstanding artistry
and workmanship. Gold is among the most
treasured material on earth. However, this artist
of this necklace has transformed the natural
wonder of the gold into something even more
precious: a masterpiece of African jewelry.
- (PF.5991)
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