Uber Luxe Objects of Desire: Antique Akan Gold Jewellery

Akan Gold Bead Necklace - $24,000.00

Origin: Ghana
Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADCollection: Jewelry
Style: Akan
Medium: Gold
In many cultures throughout the world, gold has been associated with status, power, prestige and wealth. As early as the 15th century, European merchants wrote about the richness of African gold objects used for adornment and intended for public display. Gold deposits were discovered in all regions of Africa, and became the most important commodity during pre- colonial times. The region of the Akan, spreading from the forest zone and costal areas of Ghana to the southern shores of the Ivory Coast, is the richest auriferous zone in West Africa. Several individual tribes make up the Akan people, the Asante and Baule being among the most famous, all united by their common ancestry and language. The royal courts of the Akan people were reportedly the most splendid in Africa. Oral tradition and iconography in Akan works of art are very closely connected. Verbal and visual symbolism tells stories or proverbs. Imagery of royal power on court ornaments carry out messages that helps keep the balance and continuity within the society. - (FJ.7265)

Akan Gold and Venetian Glass Trade Bead Necklace -$9,600.00

Origin: Ghana and Venice
Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADCollection: African
Style: African Beaded Necklaces
Medium: Gold and Glass
This necklace is composed of antique Venetian glass trading beads combined with Akan gold beads.

Coral and Akan Gold Bead Necklace -$8,500.00

Origin: Ghana
Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADCollection: African
Style: African Beaded Necklaces
Medium: Gold and Coral
 This necklace is composed of coral and Akan gold beads. In many cultures throughout the world, gold has been associated with status, power, prestige and wealth. As early as the 15th century, European merchants wrote about the richness of African gold objects used for adornment and intended for public display. Gold deposits were discovered in all regions of Africa, and became the most important commodity during pre- colonial times. The region of the Akan, spreading from the forest zone and costal areas of Ghana to the southern shores of the Ivory Coast, is the richest auriferous zone in West Africa. Several individual tribes make up the Akan people, the Asante and Baule being among the most famous, all united by their common ancestry and language. The royal courts of the Akan people were reportedly the most splendid in Africa. Oral tradition and iconography in Akan works of art are very closely connected. Verbal and visual symbolism tells stories or proverbs. Imagery of royal power on court ornaments carry out messages that helps keep the balance and continuity within the society. - (FJ.7294)

Akan Gold and Venetian Glass Trade Bead Necklace II - $9,000.00

Origin: Ghana and Venice
Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADCollection: Jewelry
Style: African Beaded Necklaces
Medium: Gold and Glass
This necklace is composed of antique Venetian glass trading beads combined with Akan gold beads.
In many cultures throughout the world, gold has been associated with status, power, prestige and wealth. As early as the 15th century, European merchants wrote about the richness of African gold objects used for adornment and intended for public display. Gold deposits were discovered in all regions of Africa, and became the most important commodity during pre- colonial times. The region of the Akan, spreading from the forest zone and costal areas of Ghana to the southern shores of the Ivory Coast, is the richest auriferous zone in West Africa. Several individual tribes make up the Akan people, the Asante and Baule being among the most famous, all united by their common ancestry and language. The royal courts of the Akan people were reportedly the most splendid in Africa. Oral tradition and iconography in Akan works of art are very closely connected. Verbal and visual symbolism tells stories or proverbs. Imagery of royal power on court ornaments carry out messages that helps keep the balance and continuity within the society.

During the late Middle Ages and throughout the Renaissance, Venetian artisans rediscovered the ancient secrets of glass making. On the island of Murano, they created superb vessels and jewelry which were valued throughout the known world. It was also during this period that Venice became the most powerful trading nation in Europe, a city whose ships visited every port both east and west. Venetian traders used glass beads for barter, and these jewels became especially prized in Africa, where they were traded for gold, ivory, rare woods and spices. Venetian beads quickly became a medium of exchange throughout Africa, and in some tribes were used as a bridal dowry. - (FJ.7263)


 Akan Gold Nugget and Venetian Glass Trade Bead Necklace -$6,000.00

 

 

Origin: Ghana and Venice
Circa: 18 th Century AD to 19 th Century ADCollection: Jewelry
Style: Akan Gold Necklaces
Medium: Gold and Glass

This necklace combines genuine Venetian glass trade beads found in Africa with gold nugget beads from the Akan tribe.

 

Paulina Opoku-Gyimah says: I’m always astonished by the amount of real gems of Akan/ Ghanaian origin that resided in some of the most beautiful houses and jewellery boxes –around the world!!! Who/whom is selling ‘our family china’ I’ll never know –but they never seem to stay in Ghana –do they!!! Certainly not the precious coveted pieces -like the above scummy ancient Akan gold jewellery.   

Anyway, the man who wants to win my hearts needs to add ALL the above beautiful ancient Ghanaian gold pieces with my burgeoning or is that dwindling bride price!!!! I’m soooo bored of the same ole, same ole –and only the above pieces will do for me –right now. Where are all those Jubilee Oil bachelors when you need them (laughter)…  

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