Necklet
late 19th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This necklace of red stone beads, strung as a series of tubes, discs and spheres, was made in Asante state, Ghana, West Africa; a region made wealthy through a historic trade in gold and slaves. Beads of this type were widely used in trade in West Africa although it is thought that they originated elsewhere.
The necklace may have been worn by a member of the court. A large number of pieces of court regalia found their way to Britain after British forces invaded the Asante capital of Kumasi on 4 February 1874. The Asantehene (ruler of Asante state), Kofi Karikari, fled leaving behind much precious regalia which was captured.
The necklace may have been worn by a member of the court. A large number of pieces of court regalia found their way to Britain after British forces invaded the Asante capital of Kumasi on 4 February 1874. The Asantehene (ruler of Asante state), Kofi Karikari, fled leaving behind much precious regalia which was captured.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Red stone beads |
| Brief description | Necklet composed of a string of red stone beads, Asante, Ghana, 19th century |
| Physical description | Necklace composed of a string of red stone beads (carnelian?) |
| Dimensions |
|
| Content description | Anglo-Asante War 1874: Bought from Sjt. Pearce |
| Style | |
| Object history | Purchased from Sergeant Pearce. The item was 'Received by stores' on 27 April 1874 suggesting its acquisition may be connected to the British invasion of Kumasi (capital of Asante state) on 4 February 1874. |
| Summary | This necklace of red stone beads, strung as a series of tubes, discs and spheres, was made in Asante state, Ghana, West Africa; a region made wealthy through a historic trade in gold and slaves. Beads of this type were widely used in trade in West Africa although it is thought that they originated elsewhere. The necklace may have been worn by a member of the court. A large number of pieces of court regalia found their way to Britain after British forces invaded the Asante capital of Kumasi on 4 February 1874. The Asantehene (ruler of Asante state), Kofi Karikari, fled leaving behind much precious regalia which was captured. |
| Associated objects |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 4-1875 |
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| Record created | September 23, 2005 |
| Record URL |
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