West Africa, Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire, Akan cultures. Very rare basketry motif pendant and long multi-link chain necklace for the adoration of Nana. European colonialist in the period often translated Nana to chief or king although "Ruler" or "one of his various courtiers" is more appropriate . The necklace has a very long chain consisting of two double loop links from one to the other with a single at the pendant mounting. The pendant with a solid gold embossed back similar to a Hispano-Moresque charger. The front with a delicate and exquisitely constructed Akan masterwork of goldsmithing, turned gold woven together over and with a frame through it just as a woven basket. The central frame laced through each of the base weaves and under the turned gold. Size 46" L, pendant 1" W

This piece has been examined non-intrusively with XRF (X-Ray fluorescence) Scan #2748 (Au 68.78 + Ag 28.47 + Cu 2.75).

Family collection of an esteemed diplomat and ambassador amassed during travel and work circa 1960-1990s in the medical field providing charitable advanced medical care throughout the African continent and internationally.

Small loss to one chain link as shown, worn but good condition throughout.