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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Akan Gold : Akan Gold Hair Ornament
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Akan Gold Hair Ornament - CK.0017
Origin: Ghana / Ivory Coast
Circa: 16
th
Century AD
to 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
2.875" (7.3cm) high
x 2.875" (7.3cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Gold
$6,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
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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.
Circular in form, rising upwards towards the
center where three small loops crown the low
conical peak, this gold ornament would have
most likely been incorporated into an elaborate
coiffure. It is also possible it may have been
worn on a garment, or even on a necklace. The
piece has been divided into four segments
outlined by bands that form a cross-shape. The
middle of each one of these four divisions is
marked by an openwork triangle.
- (CK.0017)
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