Chief Kwaku Addai ornate bracelet, Kumasi, Ghana

The photograph depicts ornate gold bracelet worn on the left wrist of Asante regional Chief Kwaku Addai. "Among Akan chiefs, both male and female, ornate bracelets of gold or silver have become an important art form. They are usually worn on the left wrist or forearm (being then known as benkum benfra). The royal bracelets were often cast in two halves, which are secured by a pin. Some are wood covered with gold leaf. It seems that they are worn purely for ostentation." [Timothy F. Garrard, 1989: Gold of Africa, Prestel]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon traveled to Africa from March 17, 1970 to July 17, 1970.