Protective Snake Pendant
Lobi / Gan, Burkina Faso
Copper
18th - 19th century

Snakes represent an important and recurring theme in Gan and Lobi metalwork. These all-seeing creatures were important fixtures on altars that delivered individual and collective protection. Their powers also included protecting their owners from venemous snake bites (Blandin, Fer Noir, 1992; Roy, Land of the Flying Masks, 2007).

The religious and functional artwork of the Gan, who call themselves the Kaaba or Kamba, has often been misattributed to neighboring groups in Burkina Faso and Ghana such as the Senufo, Lobi, or Kulango. Research indicates that the Gan (who can be distinguished by their regionally unique language) originated in central Ghana and emigrated northwest to Burkina Faso in the 15th century. Not coincidentally, Gan bronzes excavated in Burkina Faso can date back to the 15th century, but not earlier (Schaedler, Earth and Ore, 1997).

3 in :: 7.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1012

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