Ring
Akan; Dogon
Description
Subject Matter:
While it is evident that a peanut—or 'groundnut'—tops this ring, there is not much else known about this ring. It could have been made by the Dogon people of Mali, as a similar ring can be found in the Met Museum's collection. However, brass rings have also been made by Akan-speaking peoples. There is a similar ring in the Seattle Art Museum's collection, although it is made of gold. That ring is associated with the proverb that states: "if you want to plant something for me, plant groundnuts, not corn," which describes a desire for commitment. Groundnuts stay in the soil once planted, whereas corn can be uprooted.
References Cited:
McClusky, Pamela. 2002. Art from Africa: Long Steps Never Broke a Back. Seattle, Washington: Seattle Museum of Art.
Ross, Doran H. and Timothy Garrard.1983. Akan Transformations: Problems in Ghanaian Art History. Los Angeles: UCLA Museum of Cultural History.
Met Museum Collection Object Number 1977.394.76
Seattle Art Museum Object Number 81.17.406
Physical Description:
Brass ring decorated with a peanut or groundnut, possibly from the lost wax cast method.
Usage Rights:
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