Akan/Baoulé Weight Choker Necklace - Traditional African Bronze Jewelry with Stainless Steel Chain

Akan/Baoulé Weight Choker Necklace - Traditional African Jewelry in Bronze and Stainless Steel

The Akan/Baoulé Weight Choker Necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry; it's a tribute to the history and traditions of the Akan people of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.

Used since the 13th century to weigh gold and convey symbolic messages, Akan Weights are now precious art objects and symbols of wealth, power, and wisdom. Handcrafted using the lost-wax technique, this Akan Weight embodies the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

The stainless steel chain adds a contemporary touch, making this necklace a chic and timeless accessory. Whether to enhance an elegant outfit or add an ethnic touch to a more casual look, this Akan Weight Choker necklace is the perfect accessory for those who wish to connect with an ancient history.

• Materials: Bronze Akan Weight, stainless steel chain
• Length: 45 cm adjustable
• Origin of the Akan Weight: Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana (made using the traditional lost-wax technique)

Perfect for completing a chic or casual outfit, this Akan Weight Choker Necklace celebrates African heritage while remaining current. Wear a piece of history, transformed into a decidedly modern piece of jewelry.

Akan Weights: Cultural Heritage and Economic Tool of the Akan People

Akan Weights, or Mrammuo in Twi (Twi is widely used by the Ashanti and other Akan groups, and it is the language in which many cultural and traditional terms, like Mrammuo (gold weights), are still transmitted)  of the Akan peoples of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire played a central role in economic and cultural exchanges as early as the 15th century. They were primarily used to measure gold dust, called sika, which served as currency until the 19th century. These weights were made of bronze, brass, or sometimes gold, and often decorated with geometric or figurative patterns representing animals, everyday objects, or cultural symbols.

These weights not only had an economic function, but they also served as symbolic and cultural supports. Some represented proverbs, stories, or myths, thus integrating a moral and spiritual dimension into transactions. Akan weights were also kept as family treasures, passed down from generation to generation, symbolizing wealth and prestige.

Made using the lost-wax technique, each weight had to be extremely precise, as it regulated gold exchanges.

These objects, once central to the Akan economy, have become highly prized works of art, displayed in many museums around the world.