Snakes
Lagoons people, cast gold alloy pendant of a coiled snake in fine wax thread technique. 3.9” L x 3” W. In Akan and Baule proverbs the coiled snake often are symbols of femininity and fertility. Ex Zemanek-Münster ex Roland Hartman ex René David ex Roger Bédiat
“Okyeame poma” (linguist/orator’s staff). Wood, gold foil. Ghana. 59 inches H. “Magnificent gold-covered staffs like this one are carried by high-ranking officials within the courts of Akan chiefs in an area of West Africa once known as the Gold Coast. Because they are a society that originally had no written tradition, the Akan peoples place an enormous emphasis on speech. The spoken word, in the form of axioms and stories, is the repository of Akan custom and values, and a complete mastery of proverbial lore, combined with an eloquent and insightful way of conveying it, is considered the mark of intellect of highly esteemed individuals. Those who possess this knowledge and an articulate command of language may be appointed as court linguists, the most important nonroyal court officials.” - metmuseum. The image is of a snake devouring a frog. “It’s a common theme in Asante art and often represents the proverb: "Every part of the frog belongs to the snake." This is based on the observation that snakes swallow their prey whole, and the proverb is used to describe dominant subservient relationships.”-D.Ross The snake triumphs through patience and what is good for the frog is ultimately good for the snake or what is good for the chief’s subjects, is good for the chief. EX estate of Dr. David Y Solomon, of NYC
Akan cast gold (12K, 30g) pendant representing a coiled snake with a bird in its mouth. D: 2.4 inch - 2.6 inch. In Akan art, the snake is often seen devouring a variety of animal types. Sometimes it is a bird as in this example. Other examples seen in pendants and sword ornaments depict frogs, lizards, and even antelopes. Regardless of the snakes prey, the takeaway message is that the snake “triumphs through patience.” There is another proverb specifically describing the snake devouring the frog motif but it also applies to the bird and other animals: “Every part of the frog belongs to the snake. This is based on the observation that snakes swallow their prey whole, and the proverb is used to describe dominant-subservient relationships.” -D.Ross. Kunstauktionshaus Zemanek-Muenster 104, Germany, Ex Stephanie Uhart Negret, Santiago de Chile, Chile. Published: “Oro de Africa - Insignias de Poder”, Colección Stephanie Uhart Negret, Santiago de Chile 2007, p. 36.
