The Gold of the Akan - Iphofen, Germany - Until 10-11-2024

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Knauf-Museum Iphofen
Am Marktplatz
97343 Iphofen
Germany


The Gold of the Akan - Courtly Gold Jewelry from West Africa

Until 10th November 2024

Gold has rarely been processed as perfectly as in the art of the Akan, who are native to Ghana and the Republic of Ivory Coast. Imposing insignia of rank, filigree jewelry, elegant gold-plated wood carvings - the jewelry and cult objects come primarily from royal tribes and can be assigned to the 19th and 20th centuries. The exhibits come from the Liaunig collection, which contains all the important object types of Akan art. They demonstrate the highest level of craftsmanship in gold processing combined with aesthetic quality.

Selected objects from the exhibition No two states of the West African Akan ethnic group are alike in terms of their social structures and cultural expressions. Nevertheless, Ashanti, Baule, Fante, Akyem, Bono and other subgroups share a common historical heritage. In addition to relative geographical proximity, their language and important beliefs, there is one element in particular that unites them: gold. The precious metal has a decisive influence on the appearance of the Akan. In the form of rank insignia, it primarily indicates social status. The chieftaincy can be seen, for example, in the lavish vestments in the form of gold-decorated crowns, amulets, sandals and the artistically decorated state chair. Gold is a central component of political events, but also of cultic acts and everyday life. The style and design of Akan gold are unique. The various pieces of jewelry testify to the brilliant craftsmanship of traditional goldsmiths. The highly filigree wax thread technique is just one example of this virtuosity. Certain design features such as geometric shapes and the decision for elementary figuration are repeated again and again. Due to its similarity to modern design, the traditional gold of the Akan allows a valuable reference to the present in terms of art theory. But the golden masterpieces also provide access to the long history and fascinating culture of the Akan states. The exhibits on display in the Knauf Museum come from the extensive Liaunig collection, which is normally shown in the museum of the same name in Carinthia. It contains jewelry from the 19th and 20th centuries, but also much older pieces and includes all important object types of Akan jewelry.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm - Sundays 11:00 am – 5:00 pm - Closed on Mondays

Admission: €5

https://www.knauf-museum.de/sonderausst ... d-der-akan