Akan People, Ghana, Mudfish Ring

Cast Brass ‘Mudfish’ Ring

This highly sculptural ring has been cast in brass with a prominent bezel in the form of a mudfish.

The mudfish is a common motif that has been used for centuries in West Africa from the Ivory Coast to Ghana to Nigeria. It is a symbol of peace, prosperity, and fertility.

The ring has substantial wear with softened contours. It is marked to the inside of the hoop and the underside of the bezel with two old collection inventory number.

van Cutsem, A., A World of Rings: Africa, Asia, America, Skira, 2000.