{"product_id":"brass-mask-ring-gold-weight-ring-size-9-1-2-ghana-1","title":"Akan Proverbial Brass Ring: Wisdom Governs Strength - Size 10+","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"1086\"\u003eA finely cast brass finger ring featuring a stylized bull’s head surmounted by a bird. The bull’s forward-facing head is rendered with simplified geometric forms and subtly engraved surface patterns; pronounced, inwardly curving horns frame the composition. Atop the brow sits a small, upright bird figure oriented forward, commanding attention above the horns. The ring shank is robust and hand formed, with an irregular, organic silhouette consistent with traditional lost-wax casting and long use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1088\" data-end=\"1333\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1088\" data-end=\"1120\"\u003eInterpretation\/Significance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1123\"\u003eThis object belongs to a category of Akan \u003cstrong data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1189\"\u003eproverbial sculpture\u003c\/strong\u003e in which visual metaphors embody moral and philosophical teachings. The composition juxtaposes two potent symbols within Akan cultural thought:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1707\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1337\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1337\" data-end=\"1350\"\u003eThe Bull:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symbolizes material power, leadership authority, and physical strength. In Akan societal contexts, the horned animal often represents a figure capable of force, dominion, or political stature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1707\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1707\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1560\"\u003eThe Bird:\u003c\/strong\u003e Represents wisdom, foresight, spiritual oversight, and counsel. Birds in Akan visual language signify higher perspective and guiding intelligence.\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1709\" data-end=\"1937\"\u003eThe bird’s placement \u003cem data-start=\"1730\" data-end=\"1737\"\u003eabove\u003c\/em\u003e the horns is essential. It conveys a hierarchical relationship — the intellect must govern the body, and wisdom must temper strength. The ring visually articulates an Akan proverb along the lines of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"1939\" data-end=\"2081\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"2081\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"1985\"\u003e“It is the head that carries the horns,”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1985\" data-end=\"1988\"\u003emeaning \u003cem data-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2081\"\u003estrength without judgment risks self-destruction; power must be guided by wisdom.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"2081\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2081\"\u003eAlternatively:\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e“The intellect sits above force.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3858\" data-end=\"3861\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePower must be guided by wisdom.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2083\" data-end=\"2280\"\u003eAs a personal wearable object, this ring likely functioned as an ethical reminder to its wearer — a leader, elder, or person of status — of the inseparability of authority and thoughtful restraint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2282\" data-end=\"2442\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2282\" data-end=\"2296\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2296\" data-end=\"2299\"\u003eSurface wear consistent with age and handling; warm patina in recessed areas with softened highlights on raised forms. No modern repairs noted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2444\" data-end=\"2664\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2444\" data-end=\"2461\"\u003eSignificance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2461\" data-end=\"2464\"\u003eBeyond its sculptural presence, this ring encapsulates Akan epistemology and leadership philosophy. It is a rare example of \u003cstrong data-start=\"2588\" data-end=\"2610\"\u003edidactic adornment\u003c\/strong\u003e, where personal ornament embodies a moral imperative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"473\" data-end=\"529\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"473\" data-end=\"482\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1880–1930)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don't know who wore this beautiful, very old, authentic ring but we do know that he was an important man in Ghana or Ivory Coast and he wore it for a long time; it might well have been in the family for longer than the life of the original owner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis ring was hand cast using the traditional lost wax casting technique as has always been done in Africa. This ring size is just over size 10.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Niger Bend","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52988652028211,"sku":"RNG-103","price":2499.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0008\/1933\/1132\/files\/IMG_2016.jpg?v=1769096740","url":"https:\/\/thenigerbend.com\/products\/brass-mask-ring-gold-weight-ring-size-9-1-2-ghana-1","provider":"Niger Bend","version":"1.0","type":"link"}