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thumbnail of c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (on white background) thumbnail of c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (detail) thumbnail of c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (bottom view) thumbnail of c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (side view) thumbnail of c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (on black background) thumbnail of c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (top view) thumbnail of c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (top side view) thumbnail of c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (left side view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (on white background)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (detail)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (bottom view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (side view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (on black background)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (top view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (top side view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (left side view)
Vintage

c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring

c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (on white background)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (detail)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (bottom view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (side view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (on black background)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (top view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (top side view)
c1920 Akan Scorpion Ring (left side view)
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A rare and massively scaled scorpion ring from the Ashanti region of modern-day Ghana. The scorpion symbolized power and was traditionally associated with Akan or Asante royalty. The ring is hollow cast in gold with hand chased details. It's mounted on a simple gold hoop. 

Akan gold production began in the 15th century, and gold dust was a common form of currency until 1901 when the area was colonized by the British. Historically gold jewelry was made only for Akan royalty. This ring is probably post-colonial and possibly made for tourist trade, though traditionally crafted and similar to many examples in museums. Likely dates to early to mid 20th century.

Currently a size 10 and best not resized.

Materials

Approx. 14K Gold

Date

Early to Mid 20th Century

Condition

Good. Band misshapen. Oxidation and surface wear.

Size

Top: 55 x 45 x 22mm (2-1/8" Head to Tail)
Ring Size: 10 (could be resized but doing so would alter the patina)