Chief's ring "mpetea" with frog

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Description

gold alloy ca.1,00 (24 carat), base

The image of a frog might seem to be an unusual royal symbol, but it is a common motif on chief’s rings.

It is connected with the following proverb: “A frog’s length is only apparent after death”. The implication is that a chief’s accomplishments are often not appreciated during his lifetime and that it is only looking back at his career after his death that his contributions can be fully understood.

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Comparing literature

Ross, Doran H., Gold of the Akan from the Glassell Collection, Houston 2002, p. 173

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