An Asante Sautoir Lot n° 19

Silver Sautoir Asante, Ghana Ohne Sockel / without base Silver 800‰ & gold 100‰, finished gold plated. L 66 cm. Provenance: - Galerie Walu, Zurich, before 1983. - Swiss private collection, Basel. Expertise of the Swiss Precious Metals Control (silver fineness: 800‰, gold content: 100‰, finished gold plated). The precious metal of the former "Gold Coast" of Africa was for centuries the interest and desire of African and European merchants. Through trade rose powerful states, whose wealth and skill in gold processing became a legend. Thus, at the royal courts of the Akan, masterful pieces of jewelry were created using highly developed manufacturing processes, especially the lost-wax casting process. Since time immemorial, jewelry in a wide variety of forms and materials has accompanied and fascinated people of all cultures. Thus, the gold jewelry of the Asante also serves as a sign of rank and affiliation at festivities of the royal families. The strong expressiveness of these unique pieces reflects the rich metaphors of the Akan and is based on the tradition of the highly esteemed art of oratory. From a cultural perspective, however, the necklaces are more than just pieces of jewelry. The precious objects are not only appreciated for their beauty, but are also worn as magical, protective and power-giving objects, which were additionally used as a store of value, a means of exchange and a means of payment. Further reading: Ross, Doran and Eisner, Georg (2008). The Gold of the Akan. Museum Liaunig. Neuhaus: Museumsverwaltung GmbH. CHF 400 / 800 EUR 400 / 800