Currently not on view

Pendant (asansatɔo)

Akan artist

1998-572

This triangular pendant – an example of protective Akan regalia – is named asansatɔo because it resembles a hawk’s tail. Like the akrafokɔnmu pectoral disk (y1982-17), this object was influenced by the visual culture of the northern Muslim kingdoms linked to the Akan by trans-Saharan trade routes. Gold Muslim amulets contained carefully folded and wrapped papers inscribed with Koranic verses, khatim (magic squares), and religious diagrams. The solid gold or gold-leafed covered wooden ornaments worn by the Akan are no longer associated with Islam, but are considered a non-religious form of protective bodily adornment.

Information

Title

Pendant (asansatɔo)

Maker

Akan

Medium

Wood, gold leaf, silk, and possibly leather

Dimensions

12.7 cm x 16.0 cm x 3.7 cm (5 x 6 5/16 x 1 7/16 in.)

Credit Line

Bequest of John B. Elliott, Class of 1951

Object Number

1998-572

Place Made

Africa, Ghana

Culture

African

Type

ceremonial objects, amulets, pendants (jewelry), jewelry, ornament

Materials

silk (textile), leaf (metal), leather, wood, cord (fiber product), gold

Techniques

carving

Subject

rank, protective wear, floral patterns, geometric patterns, royalty, regalia, sunbursts

John B. Elliott, New York, NY; Princeton University Art Museum, 1998

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Akan artist, Ghana, Western Africa, Pendant (asansatɔo). Wood, gold leaf, silk, and possibly leather; 12.7 x 16 x 3.7 cm. Bequest of John B. Elliott, Class of 1951 (1998-572)

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Pendant (asansatɔo)

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Alviso, California ,
March 6, 1952

Fragment from the Pyramid of Sesostris I: Fragment of a gods procession scene

Wenceslaus Hollar

F. Holland Day and Clarence H. White ,
ca. 1902

No. 5. Ducal Palace, Interior Court, from Magnificentiores Selectioresque Urbis Venetiarum Prospectus ,
Venice: 1741

Hagia Sofia ,
2020

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Pendant (asansatɔo)

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Alviso, California , March 6, 1952

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