Necklace

Among the Asante, gold ornaments are a key element of chiefly and kingly attire. Prestige and political power is in fact manifested by the resplendent appearance of individuals of high status during public ceremonies. This necklace came to the ROM in 1914. An old catalogue entry records it as being part of the spoils of war brought to Europe by British official Lord Wolseley after the conquest of the Asante capital Kumasi in 1874.