Pendant (Spiral)

Description

This gold ornament would most likely have been threaded together with other similar objects into a necklace. For the past several centuries in southern Côte d’Ivoire, gold ornaments and jewelry have been worn by the Akan and Akan-related peoples of the coastal region and the Baule, who live further inland. The technique for making gold beads and ornaments was introduced centuries ago by Akan goldsmiths from Ghana. Each design was made by modeling fine wax threads over a solid core, which was then invested in a clay mold and cast using the lost-wax method. This technique allowed for the delicate detailing that can be seen along the edges and center sections of the object.

Provenance

Unknown owner, France; sold Parke-Bernet, New York, November 27, 1965, sale 2388, lot 43, to Henri Kamer (died 1992) [see note and sale cat. in curatorial file]; sold to Grace Hokin (née Cohen) (d. 2009), Chicago, Ill., by 1991; given to the Art Institute, 1991.

Pendant (Spiral)

Baule

Mid–19th/mid–20th century

Accession Number

120330

Medium

Gold

Dimensions

7.7 × 7 × 0.6 cm (3 1/16 × 2 13/16 × 1/4 in.)

Classification

pendant (jewelry)

Museum

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

Credit Line

Gift of Grace Hokin