36 - Courtly Gold Ornament

Courtly Gold Ornament Akan. Ivory Coast / Ghana With base High-purity gold alloy with a finish of higher-purity gold plating. Ø 7 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Walu, Zurich. - Claudine Eichele (1952–2020), Brotte-lès-Luxeuil. - Eichele Community of Heirs. For centuries, the precious metal from Africa’s former “Gold Coast” attracted the interest of African and European merchants. Through trade, powerful states rose to prominence, whose wealth and exquisite art of goldworking attained legendary renown. At the royal courts of the Akan, masterful pieces of jewelry were created using highly sophisticated techniques, particularly the lost-wax casting method. These precious jewelry elements were worn individually or in groups as necklaces, used as hair ornaments, or sewn onto crowns, insignia, and ceremonial robes for decoration. To this day, gold jewelry serves as a symbol of rank, dignity, and affiliation within royal families. The expressive design of these one-of-a-kind pieces reflects the rich visual language of the Akan, which is closely linked to their highly esteemed art of oratory. The motifs depicted show people, animals, or objects that symbolize praiseworthy qualities, virtues, and traditional proverbs. Further Reading: Ross, Doran, and Eisner, Georg (2008). The Gold of the Akan. Museum Liaunig. Neuhaus: Museumsverwaltung GmbH. -------------------------------- Claudine Eichele (1952–2020) As the daughter of René and Denise David, the founders of Galerie Walu in Basel, Claudine Eichele was exposed to non-European art from an early age. From 1970 to 1990, she worked full-time at the gallery and undertook several trips to Africa in the 1980s. After the birth of her twins, she continued to work for Galerie Walu, intermittently and on a part-time basis. She spent her retirement in France with her husband, Christophe Eichele. CHF 2,000 / 4,000 Weight in grams: 117 Condition: Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to convey as comprehensive an impression of its condition as possible. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before placing a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. In addition, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be age- or wear-related characteristics that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot deviate in material respects from its catalog description, Hammer Auctions offers a return option in accordance with the following provisions. Buyers may report such a deviation in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the lot. If the complaint is justified, the lot may be returned by mutual agreement. The purchase price will be refunded in full upon receipt and inspection of the returned item. We are always happy to assist you personally with any questions, additional photographs, or further information.