Scorpions
This colossal Asante chief’s ring "mpetea" in the form of a scorpion is the largest in the collection. Its exceptionally large size and material emphasized the importance and power of its owner. Cast high karat gold, 3" L × 2 1/4" W × 3" H. 112g. One proverb associated with the scorpion is "The sting of the scorpion is as slow to subside as a fire is to cool."- If you incur the chief's displeasure, you will feel it for a long time. (Having been stung by a scorpion in Mali, I know this to be very true). Ex collection of Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao and Dr. Nii S. Quao. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao was the African Union’s Ambassador to the United States.
Two Asante chief rings “mpetea” in the form of two scorpions, Ghana. Cast gold/silver alloy, H 4 cm and H 5.7 cm. One proverb associated with the scorpion is “The sting of the scorpion is as slow to subside as a fire is to cool.”- if you incur the chief’s displeasure, you will feel it for a long time. Provenance: (Left) Gallery Walu, Zurich, 1983, Adolf Burkhardt (1935-2002), Berne, and (Right) Gallery Walu (1986), Zurich, Rudolf and Leonore Blum, Zumikon.