Auction 104
Zemanek-Münster

Three ornamental elements of a necklace

Côte d'Ivoire, Baule / Ghana, Akan, Ashanti
sold EUR 2,800
Provenance
German Private Collection

Description

gold, wax thread technique,

a) round disc bead “aflemma” (“water pond”), 14 carat, 6 grams, d: 2.7 cm
b) rectangular ornamental element “srala” (“bamboo door”), 17.5 carat, 9 grams, m: 4.2 cm x 2.8 cm
c) rectangular ornamental element “srala” (“bamboo door”), 16.5 carat, 26 grams, m: 5 cm x 4.5 cm

These flat ornamental links were threaded into magnificent colliers that were worn by Baule women on festive occasions. They were also used to decorate wooden sculptures. Large disc-shaped and rectangular ornamental links were sometimes made for a chief and hung on strings in front of him at public events (Garrard, 1989, p. 98, fig. 90).


Comparing literature

Garrard, Timothy, Afrikanisches Gold, München 1989, p. 98, Abb. 90

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