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*SOLD* Ashanti Necklace
A magnificent handmade bronze Ashanti tribal pendant is the focal point for this creative & unique necklace. On each side mixed with the black seed beads are small ancient excavated beads from the Djenne area of Mali. These beads are at least 600 years old. Also on each side are african black seed beads, brass bicones & rondelles; all examples of African Trade Beads. The lobster clasp is also antiqued brass. The Ashanti live in central Ghana in western Africa approximately 300km. away from the coast. The Ashanti are a major ethnic group of the Akans in Ghana, a fairly new nation, barely more than 50 years old. To the Ashanti, the family and the mother’s clan are most important. A child is said to inherit the father’s soul or spirit (ntoro) and from the mother a child receives flesh and blood (mogya). This relates them more closely to the mother’s clan. This great bronze pendant is made using the Ancient "Lost wax" technique. A mold is prepared for each piece that is destroyed in order to remove the bead and each piece is meticulously handmade. Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive, but sometimes with other elements such as phosphorus, manganese,, aluminum, or silicon. It was particularly significant in antiquity, giving its name to the Bronze Age. Bronze was significant to any culture that encountered it. It was one of the most innovative alloys of mankind. Tools, weapons, armor, and various building materials like decorative tiles made of bronze were harder and more durable than their stone and copper predecessors. Copper and its alloys have a huge variety of uses that reflect their versatile physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. Touch is important with this metal as physical contact with it can bring on great calmness and deep meaningful thoughts, leading to a far greater insight into your problems. Brass is any alloy of copper and zinc; the proportions of zinc and copper can be varied to create a range of brasses with varying properties. In comparison, bronze is principally an alloy of copper and tin. Despite this distinction, some types of brasses are called bronzes. It is often used for decoration for its bright gold-like appearance. Brass can assist in the healing of skeletal structure and aid in eliminating toxins from the body. It’s conducive for spiritual and mental healing, self-discipline and strength. Today these trade beads are more popular and collectable than ever. Thousands of these beads are in private collections around the world. The African Traders are having to go deeper and deeper into Africa to find more of these beads and many styles which were readily available just 5 years ago are no longer seen today. The clasp is hand formed and hammered silver. A great piece of history and collectible old beads! This is a great one-of-a-kind necklace with wonderful history! Length--17 inches with a 2 inch drop on pendant. A 2 inch extender chain may be added below.
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