Kyaman goldsmith, Anna village, Ivory Coast

Object Details

Local Numbers: EENG-XIII-18, 29.
General: Title source: Index card based on photographer's notes.
Local Note: Typed index card reads, "H 2 Ebr. Ebrie. Ivory Coast, Anna. Gold casting by lost-wax method: Adding wax to form channels for the molten gold. 4/4/1972. EE. neg.no. XIII-18, 29." The card was written in 1977-79 by Archives staff using source provided by photographer.

See more items in: Eliot Elisofon Field collection; Eliot Elisofon Field collection / Côte d'Ivoire

Archival Repository: Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art

Type: Archival materials; Negatives (photographic); Black-and-white negatives; Negatives

Collection Citation: Eliot Elisofon Field Collection, EEPA 1973-001, Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution

Collection Rights: Permission to reproduce images from the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives must be obtained in advance. The collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Scope and Contents: The photograph depicts Ebrie (now Kyaman) goldsmith adding wax to form channels for the molten gold, part of gold casting by lost-wax method. "Pendant gold heads show great stylistic variation. Openwork forms and those pierced by triangular holes are characteristic of the lagoons region, while those of more naturalistic appearance were mostly made by the Baule and other inland goldsmiths." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for National Geographic and traveled to Africa from January 19, 1972 to mid April 1972.

Collection Restrictions: Use of original records requires an appointment. Contact Archives staff for more details.