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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Akan Gold : Akan Gold Ring Depicting Three Birds
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Akan Gold Ring Depicting Three Birds - FJ.6879
Origin: Ghana, Africa
Circa: 16
th
Century AD
to 19
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
1.25" (3.2cm) high
Collection: African Art
Medium: Gold
$9,000.00
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.
The sumptuous
ring probably belonged to an Asante chief and
represented his wealth and taste. The depiction
of three birds might relate to a proverb, thereby
adding a social or political element to the
symbolism of the ring. A central bird crowns the
ring and is flanked two birds that face towards
him. All birds feature a large crest in the center
of their heads. The birds are magnificently
composed by wound gold thread forming their
hollow bodies and heads. Although the true
meaning of this ring is far richer than we can
decipher, we are still able to appreciate its beauty
as a stunning work of art and as a symbol of the
wealth of the Asante Kingdom.
- (FJ.6879)
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