The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 24, 2025

Pendant: Rectangular Pendant

before 1951

Africa, West Africa, Ghana, Asante goldsmith

Gold
Overall: 4.4 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm (1 3/4 x 9/16 x 9/16 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1951.322
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

The pinwheel-like motif may be linked to the apremo (cannon) pattern found in kente textiles. This pattern symbolizes the military prowess of the Asante against European weaponry.

Description

Shared by different Akan and Akan-related peoples, including the Asante and Baule, gold ornaments indicate status and wealth and are worn at public festivals by titleholders, chiefs, and kings.
  • ?–1951
    Heeramaneck Galleries, New York
    1951–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art by purchase
  • {{cite web|title=Pendant: Rectangular Pendant|url=false|author=|year=before 1951|access-date=24 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1951.322