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 African water buffalo, properly known as the
African cape buffalo, is known for its fierce and
aggressive demeanor, earning it the dubious
nickname of, “black death in the tall grass.”
Among the Akan, the water buffalo is honored as
one of the animals that symbolize the seven
matrilinear clan branches of their tribal family
tree. The buffalo, or ekoo, is a symbol of might
and dexterity. This gorgeous gold sculpture
captures none of the ferocity for which this
animal is admired and feared. Its horns arch
over its head and seem rather diminutive in
comparison to the overall size of the animal’s
head. While the body is comprised of rows of
parallel bands alternating with openwork spiral
rings, concentric semi-circles, producing a
pattern that is rhythmic and soothing. Such
patterns are characteristic of Akan goldwork.
- (PF.6288)
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