Gold of the Akan

Royal treasures from West Africa

GOLD OF THE AKAN presents royal treasures created by the Akan peoples of present-day Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Crowns, jewellery, ceremonial insignia, staffs and gold weights from the unique collection of Museum Liaunig (Austria) reveal how gold expressed authority, status and individual prestige.

Every object carries meaning. Animals, proverbs and historical influences appear in finely worked forms, while the traditional lost-wax technique makes each gold piece unique. Photographs and films of royal ceremonies, together with richly patterned Kente textiles, place the objects within the living cultural traditions of the Akan.

All images © Museum Liaunig and © Expona