RARE ASHANTI DIGNITARY NECKLACE Composed of 120 yellow gold elements melted two lion's teeth forming a clasp; 13 long shell pendants of the Turritellidae family family Turritellidae; 13 pendants in the stylised form 15 four-pointed stars; 46 small bends and 31 ringlets. Kumasi, Ghana, 19th century. Before 1874. Length: 36 cm Total gross weight: 116 g. (Traces of red sand and original casting defects, rewound on a later wire, beads and clasp and clasp) The associated documentation is enclosed: an autograph letter from Lady Lyons (1873 - 1963) and two letters and an autograph envelope from Julien Chappée (1862 - 1957). PROVENANCE - British acquisition prior to 1874. - Presumed acquired in April 1874 in London via Garrard's, the Crown Jewellers. - Collection of Lady Lyons née Helen Julia Hardwick (1873 - 1963) [autograph letter]. - Acquired on 25 March 1914 for 800 francs the collector Julien Chappée (1862 - 1957) from the Widow Simon. - Julien Chappée Collection (1862 - 1957) [letter autograph], then by descent.