Accession Number
1986/2.147

Title
Ring

Artist(s)

Object Creation Date
circa 1900

Medium & Support
brass

Dimensions
1 5/8 in x 1 1/8 in x 1 3/16 in (4.13 cm x 2.86 cm x 3.02 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Milford Golden

Subject matter
While it is evident that a peanut—or 'groundnut'—tops this ring, there is not much else known about this ring. It could have been made by the Dogon people of Mali, as a similar ring can be found in the Met Museum's collection. However, brass rings have also been made by Akan-speaking peoples. There is a similar ring in the Seattle Art Museum's collection, although it is made of gold. That ring is associated with the proverb that states: "if you want to plant something for me, plant groundnuts, not corn," which describes a desire for commitment. Groundnuts stay in the soil once planted, whereas corn can be uprooted.  

References Cited: 
McClusky, Pamela. 2002. Art from Africa: Long Steps Never Broke a Back. Seattle, Washington: Seattle Museum of Art. 
Ross, Doran H. and Timothy Garrard.1983. Akan Transformations: Problems in Ghanaian Art History. Los Angeles: UCLA Museum of Cultural History.  
Met Museum Collection Object Number 1977.394.76
Seattle Art Museum Object Number 81.17.406

Physical Description
Brass ring decorated with a peanut or groundnut, possibly from the lost wax cast method. 

Primary Object Classification
Jewelry

Primary Object Type
ring

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
nut (plant component)
personal accessories
proverbs