Baule dignitary N'Goran Koffi's gold jewelry, Kouassiblekro, Ivory Coast

The photograph depicts ornate bracelet, gold nuggets and gold finger-rings worn on the left wrist of Baule dignitary N'Goran Koffi. "From ancient times gold nuggets have been pierced and worn as ornaments. They were regarded as possessing a spirit that could confer magical protection on the wearer. Such nuggets can still be seen on the bracelets and necklaces of Akan chiefs. During the colonial period the French sought to consolidate their authority over the peoples of the south-eastern region by creating district and cantonal chiefs. Though untraditional, these offices have survived, and their occupants have increasingly sought to gain status by adopting Akan-style regalia (as have the few traditional paramount chiefs in the region)." [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.