Vintage Ashanti Akan Brass Hair Pin – Old African Jewelry

Vintage Ashanti Akan Brass Bronze Hair Pin – Old African Jewelry

This exquisite Old African Jewelry piece is a vintage Ashanti (Asante) hair pin from Ghana, meticulously handcrafted using the ancient lost-wax casting technique. Made of brass and bronze, it reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Ashanti people.

• Material: Brass and Bronze
• Technique: Lost-wax casting
• Origin: Ashanti Region, Ghana
• Condition: Very good, with minor wear indicative of age and use

Size:

• Length: 2 7/8 inches (74 mm)

The Ashanti people, part of the larger Akan ethnic group, are renowned for their sophisticated artistry and metalwork. Their use of the lost-wax casting method, known locally as "cire perdue," dates back centuries and is a testament to their advanced metallurgical skills.

Hair pins like this were not merely functional; they held significant cultural and symbolic value. Often worn by women of status, these pins signified wealth, social standing, and were sometimes used in ceremonial contexts. The intricate designs often incorporated motifs representing proverbs, moral values, or societal roles.

In the broader context of West African culture, jewelry served multiple purposes beyond adornment. It was a medium of communication, a symbol of identity, and a repository of cultural narratives. The Ashanti, in particular, used gold and brass weights not only for trade but also as storytelling devices, embedding proverbs and historical events into their designs.

This vintage hair pin is more than a decorative item; it's a tangible link to the rich tapestry of Ashanti history and West African artistry.

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