Akan Cast Bronze Crocodile Bracelet, West Africa (Ghana), Lost-Wax Copper Alloy

This small open bracelet cast in copper alloy is formed as a circular hoop surmounted by a crocodile rendered in low relief. Such zoomorphic ornaments belong to the Akan artistic sphere of present-day Ghana and eastern Côte d’Ivoire, where animal imagery visually expressed proverbs, identity, and social ideas. The crocodile is a recurring Akan motif symbolising authority across domains and adaptability, appearing in related gold weight and regalia traditions. The compact diameter indicates use as a child’s ornament or close-fitting amulet bracelet.

The piece was produced by the lost wax casting method. Surface irregularities, casting seams, and a longitudinal decorative wax-thread channel remain visible, together with darkened recesses from natural copper corrosion. Edge smoothing and handling wear confirm age and prolonged use. Figural Akan brass ornaments are collected alongside gold weights as part of the broader corpus of West African personal metalwork.

Circa: Late 19th – early 20th century

PROVENANCE Egon Guenther collection
Measurements
Diameter: 4.82 cm
Inside diameter: 3.75 cm
Weight: 26 g