***For many of the peoples of southeastern Cote d'Ivoire (Ivor Coast) , gold possesses spiritual power associated with  one's  ancestors. Cast gold ornaments are an important part of a family's sacred ancestral  treasury and increase the family's prestige.  They are displayed or worn as pendants or aches to the hair on special occasions, such as funerals or the first appearance of a new mother in public.  The original ornament was cast by the lost wax method, in which fine wax threads create the model.  The delicate ridges produced in this way enhance the glitter of gold surfaces.

     The Museum's adaption was was in brass, electroplated with  24 kt. gold and antiqued. It wss made in the same way as the original, by constructing the model out of wax threads and then using the lost wax method of casting.