Description
A crocodile-shaped pendant with filigree and openwork. Among the Akan, lost-wax casting and filigree work reached technical levels at least equal to the social status enjoyed by the artisan founders. Gold is sacred to the Akan, and in addition to its political and economic importance, with the control of gold-mining sites that were exploited by slaves, it has great symbolic and religious importance. Jewelry - rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants - was worn on special occasions by kings and notables, and kept in the dja for the rest of the time. From the beginning of the 20th century, the possession of gold extended from customary power to the individual, who could use it to prove his social ascension. Among the Ebrié, for example, during the andimantchi festival, the family and clan treasure is taken out of the dja and displayed for all to see for one or two days in the patriarch's courtyard. Pendants, such as this fine example, were hung from the neck, arm, headdress or even from a ceremonial sword, and are a classic art form of Akan culture. Each subject carries a symbol, and the crocodile represents the queen mother. Akan, Ghana or Ivory Coast Gold alloy (13.07ct) with copper and silver, old accident and small visible lack. H. 11.3 cm See p. 216 to 223 in: Corps Sculptés Corps Parés Corps Masqués, Galerie nationale du Grand Palais Paris, Ed. Association Française d'Action Artistique 1989 Provenance : - Roger Bédiat Collection - Jean Roudillon Collection
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A crocodile-shaped pendant with filigree and openwork. Among the Akan, lost-wax casting and filigree work reached technical levels at least equal to the social status enjoyed by the artisan founders. Gold is sacred to the Akan, and in addition to its political and economic importance, with the control of gold-mining sites that were exploited by slaves, it has great symbolic and religious importance. Jewelry - rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants - was worn on special occasions by kings and notables, and kept in the dja for the rest of the time. From the beginning of the 20th century, the possession of gold extended from customary power to the individual, who could use it to prove his social ascension. Among the Ebrié, for example, during the andimantchi festival, the family and clan treasure is taken out of the dja and displayed for all to see for one or two days in the patriarch's courtyard. Pendants, such as this fine example, were hung from the neck, arm, headdress or even from a ceremonial sword, and are a classic art form of Akan culture. Each subject carries a symbol, and the crocodile represents the queen mother. Akan, Ghana or Ivory Coast Gold alloy (13.07ct) with copper and silver, old accident and small visible lack. H. 11.3 cm See p. 216 to 223 in: Corps Sculptés Corps Parés Corps Masqués, Galerie nationale du Grand Palais Paris, Ed. Association Française d'Action Artistique 1989 Provenance : - Roger Bédiat Collection - Jean Roudillon Collection
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