A Gan pendant, Burkina Faso, Banfora region.

The Gan pendant from the Banfora region of southwestern Burkina Faso is a striking example of traditional West African metalwork, created by the Gan people, an ethnic minority renowned for their sophisticated use of the lost-wax casting technique. These pendants are typically made of bronze or brass and often feature stylized, symbolic forms—such as abstract human figures, animals, or composite beings—that reflect a deep connection to spiritual beliefs, ancestral reverence, and protective functions
The Gan people have historically lived in relative isolation in the hilly regions near Banfora, which allowed them to preserve their unique casting traditions largely unaffected by outside influences. Gan pendants are not purely ornamental; they are ritual objects imbued with spiritual power (nyama), worn as amulets by individuals for protection, fertility, or status A recurring motif is the figure on horseback, symbolizing leadership, strength, and ancestral authority. These figures often display elongated bodies, horned helmets, or animalistic features, linking them to both historical memory and mythic cosmology.
Because each pendant is cast individually using the lost-wax process, no two are exactly alike, and their asymmetry and stylization are intentional—valued not for realism but for spiritual resonance. The Banfora region remains a center for the preservation of this craft, though true Gan bronzes are increasingly rare due to limited production and high collector demand.

Roy, Christopher D. Art of the Upper Volta Rivers. Alain and Francoise Chaffin, 1987.

Himmelheber, Hans. Negerkunst und Negerkünstler. F. Bruckmann, 1960.

Elliott, David. Art of Burkina Faso. Indiana University Press, 1984.


The Banfora region of southwestern Burkina Faso is a geographically and culturally rich area located near the borders of Côte d’Ivoire and Mali. Centered around the town of Banfora, the region lies within the Cascades Region, named for its dramatic natural features, including the well-known Cascades de Karfiguéla (Karfiguéla Waterfalls). With its fertile plains, lush vegetation, and scenic landscapes, Banfora stands in contrast to the more arid northern parts of Burkina Faso and plays a key role in the country’s agriculture and tourism.

Banfora is home to several ethnic groups, most notably the Gan, Gouin (Gwini), Turka, Diarra, and Senufo peoples. Each group maintains distinct cultural practices, languages, and artistic traditions. The Gan, in particular, are renowned for their bronze casting, producing pendants, figurines, and ritual objects using the lost-wax technique. Their metalwork is spiritually charged and plays a role in religious and ancestral rites. The isolation of the Gan in the nearby hills of Obiré has helped preserve their artistic legacy and royal traditions, including a still-existing local kingship.

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Height: 10 cm
Length: 12 cm
Weight: 220 g with stand