Lot 159
West Africa Coast, Ivory Coast / Ghana, Asante, Baule or Akan culture, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine high-quality gold mpetea ring cast in the form of a frog surmounted on a band. The gold of the band is 81.8% and the frog is cast from 92.9% gold, underside of the amphibian is hollow - likely formed separately via the lost wax technique and then attached together. Gold rings known as mpetea, symbolized the wearers status and power. In the past, only royalty could own precious metals like gold and imported silver. The Akan region, spanning from the forests and coastal areas of Ghana to the southern shores of the Ivory Coast, stands out as the most abundant gold-bearing zone in West Africa, and Akan gold production likely began in the 15th century. Due to the band shape, the ring measures as a US size 6 on a sizer but may fit up to a size 8 based on measurements. Size of frog: 1.26" L x 0.8" W (3.2 cm x 2 cm); band opening: 0.72" Diameter (1.8 cm); gold quality: 81.8% to 92.9% (equivalent to 19K+ to 22K+); weight: 14.1 grams
Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired from a private Los Angeles, California USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#153716
- Condition: Some wear and bending to the band. Nicks and abrasions to the frog, but intact. Wearable!
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer
Shipping
8. IN-HOUSE SHIPPING: All buyers will receive an invoice detailing their purchases, sales tax (if applicable), buyer's premium, and shipping/insurance charges. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. We are currently experiencing shipping delays due to staff shortages, please allow up to 15 days for shipping after payment is received. If you prefer to work with a third-party shipper, we can assist with recommendations.
**Please note, we are currently unable to ship to Australia, Germany and Switzerland due to customs clearance issues. If you are in one of these countries, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase.*
**For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country; this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. Also, please be aware that Artemis Gallery will NOT falsify customs value on any international shipments - what you pay is what we declare, no exceptions. There are a small number of international countries we cannot ship to. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding**
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |