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Reproduced in Fer Noir d'Afrique de l'ouest, 1992, a detail of a Lobi man wearing a snake ankle charm
Gan Snake Ankle Charm
Burkina Faso
18th-19th century
Copper alloy
Height: 5 1/2 inches (13.5 cm)
Provenance:
Estate of Joseph Knopfelmacher, New York
Research indicates that the Gan people originated in central Ghana and immigrated northwest to what we now know as Burkina Faso in the 15th century. Cast in the lost wax technique, this Gan snake anklet charm is one of a kind since the mold is destroyed in the process. The anklet charm was worn to protect the person from snake bites.Further images
