Prestige bracelet (benfra),

late 19th–20th century

A gold bracelet (benfra) beautifies its wearer and reinforces rank. While all elite Akan men and women wear bracelets and anklets, the amount and material of this jewelry reveals the status and prestige of its wearer. Lesser elites wear carved wooden bracelets covered with gold leaf (1998-570), while those of higher status wear hollow cast gold cuffs, such as this example decorated with abstract swirling motifs (y1994-38). Akan goldsmiths have perfected their craft over centuries, with examples of lavish court jewelry recorded by Europeans since the late fifteenth century. Goldsmiths not only produced jewelry, but advised customers whether a piece would be appropriate for their status. An angular motif suggestive of the babadua plant (1998-571), with its allusions to fertility, was fitting for a queen mother.