This striking vintage ethnic statement necklace hails from Ghana West Africa, where jewelry and adornment are deeply tied to cultural identity and symbolism.

This striking vintage ethnic statement necklace hails from Ghana West Africa, where jewelry and adornment are deeply tied to cultural identity and symbolism.

The centerpiece is a beautifully cast bronze pendant in the form of a stylized human face, often referred to as a “passport mask” or “passport face”. These miniature masks were historically used by the Baule and related Akan peoples as personal talismans, charms, or surrogates of larger ceremonial masks. They were believed to hold protective powers, serving both as guardians and symbols of ancestral connection.

The pendant itself shows a serene face with closed eyes, arched brows, and stylized hair or headdress detailing — expressions that traditionally embody wisdom, inner vision, and spiritual balance. The aged bronze patina adds a sense of time-worn dignity, suggesting this piece was well-cherished.

Strung on an extra-length necklace, the chain is constructed from brass disc-shaped spacer beads, giving it a warm, earthy metallic texture. Interspersed between these discs are pops of color from semi-precious gemstones and glass beads — deep blue sodalite, verdant jade, fiery red jasper, and golden-brown glass beads that echo the glow of amber or tiger’s eye. These colors not only add vibrancy but also carry symbolic meanings:

Blue sodalite – clarity, truth, and insight.
Green jade – prosperity, harmony, and protection.
Red jasper – vitality, strength, and grounding.
Golden-brown glass – warmth, energy, and resilience.

The entire construction evokes both strength and ornamentation, making it a bold tribal queen statement necklace — something that could easily be imagined in traditional ceremonies, yet also styled today as a dramatic art-jewelry piece.

Measurements :The necklace with a length of 60cm.The mask pendant measures 3.3cm x 3.3cm.The necklace with a weight of 54grams.