© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Michael McKelvey.

ClassificationsAfrican Art

Pendant in the Shape of a Snake

Place CreatedCôte d'Ivoire, Africa

CultureKyaman, Adiukru, Akye, and other Lagoons groups

Dateearly-mid 20th Century

MediumGold, silver

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Dimensions3 1/2 x 1 3/8 x 1/2 in. (8.9 x 3.5 x 1.3 cm)

Object number2006.028.003

Label TextThe big men, or "kings", of the various cultures of the Lagoons region of coastal Cote d'Ivoire have, since at the least the seventeenth century, displayed their wealth in the form of gold pendant ornaments and figurines made using the lost-wax casting method. Gold pieces are commissioned and accumulated by families, with additions made by aspiring social climbers who, as the Ebrie say, "add to the family chest". Recognition of wealth through annual public "exhibitions of gold" is required for those wishing to become an age-grade official or village head. The objects are either laid out on a table for inspection or strung together and worn around the neck or in the hair of men and their female family members. Animals, including the snake shown here, are particularly popular as symbols strength.
Exhibition HistoryMCCM Permanent Collection Installation, November 19, 2007 - December 1, 2014
MCCM Permanent Collection Installation, September 18, 2017 - June 6, 2022

ProvenanceEx coll. Paul (1900-1996) and Ruth (1905-1999) Tishman, New York, New York. Ex private collection, United States. Purchased by MCCM from Sotheby's New York, May 9, 2006, lot 44.

Status

Not on view

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