Attribution Incomplete Notice
Collections and items in our institution have incomplete, inaccurate, and/or missing attribution. We are using this notice to clearly identify this material so that it can be updated, or corrected by communities of origin. Our institution is committed to collaboration and partnerships to address this problem of incorrect or missing attribution.
Open to Collaborate Notice
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Artwork Details
5 x 4-1/2 x 2 in.
Accession NumberRoger G. Wolcott Fund
Copyright(Tambaran Gallery, New York, New York); purchased by the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields in 1991.
For centuries, gold has played an important role in the economic, social and political lives of Akan peoples. Jewelry and other gold items are made by specially trained goldsmiths. Trade in this metal contributed greatly to the prosperity of some Akan states. Prior to the mid-20th century when African nations began to gain their independence, this area was known to Europeans as the "Gold Coast."
Gold bracelets are important accessories for Asante royalty of both sexes. While most are hollow or cast in two pieces, this example is a solid single piece. It possesses two popular Asante symbols: ram's horns and fern leaves. Rams generally represent strength and wisdom. Ferns, understood as hardy plants, symbolize the ruler's endurance and his awareness of his enemies' thoughts and actions.
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Metadata about the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s collection comes from Newfields’ records and research. In some cases, information may be incomplete and research is ongoing. Newfields’ goal is to have as up-to-date metadata as possible, therefore, this information is subject to change. Newfields collections’ metadata is available under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) waiver, which allows for re-use without legal restrictions.
Artworks that appear in the image file(s) above may be in copyright or have other legal and/or cultural restrictions to their use. For clarity, Newfields does not claim copyright to the image files created by Newfields of artworks in the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s collection. Newfields makes every effort to ascertain the copyright status of artworks in the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s collection. Please refer to the RightsStatements.org statement above for information about the current copyright status of the artwork. Additionally, some artworks may include Local Context’s Notices or Labels that attribute cultural authority of the artwork’s heritage and data.
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