Ashanti Ring

A cactus, cast in gold, for the finger. Nobody said this would be comfortable.

This ring is Ashanti, from Ghana in West Africa, made in the 20th century of 21 karat gold. The motif is a cactus. Ashanti goldsmiths made rings like this for chiefs and other people of rank, worn on state occasions to display wealth and, through symbols often tied to proverbs, to send a message. Swollen, ribbed lobes crowd around the band, every surface pricked with rows of tiny ridges. A short spike rises from the top. Inside, the shank is rough and unpolished, and gaps open between the lobes.

Handshakes may need to be rethought.