Chief's Bracelet

The Akan consist of a group of related peoples in the southern section of Ghana and the Ivory Coast (including the Akwapim, Akyem, Anyi, Aowin, Asante, Bono, Denkyira, Fante, Kwahu, Nzima, and Sefwi). The Akan are known for their skill producing jewelry from precious metals like gold and silver. The artwork proposed for acquisition is a gold-leaf covered chief’s bracelet made by an Asante maker. Political power under the Akan is centralized around the rule of a chief and the hierarchy beneath him. Chief’s bracelets were traditionally worn on a monarch’s left wrist and were accompanied by fillets or crowns worn on the head, gold-studded sandals, numerous necklaces or bandolier chains, and additional amulets, bracelets, and rings. The bracelet was alternatively made of wood, white metal, silver alloy, gold leaf, or cast gold. Unlike gold, which was produced locally, other metal materials were imported. The material and intricacy of visual motifs helped convey the rank and power of the members of this hierarchy. The decoration of this example includes large triangular projections at the top, four spikes at front and back, and incised designs.