ASANTE, GHANA

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The goldwork traditions of the Akan peoples, especially the Asante, encompass a wide variety of forms and have been a source of admiration for centuries. While whimsical, charming goldweights (abrammuo) are a familiar focus for collectors, Asante metalworkers also produced more elaborate works. As early as the eighteenth century, European visitors in Ghana wrote about the Asante’s spectacular military regalia, which today forms part of the state treasury and is brought forth on special occasions.

Sword ornaments were one such type of regalia. Historically seen as divinely empowered, swords played a prominent role in Akan rituals, including oath of office ceremonies and chiefly purification rites. Cast gold pieces were attached to the hilts or scabbards of high-ranking court figures, symbolizing political and military strength through iconography that often alluded to traditional proverbs and teachings.

These chiefly objects were cast in the lost wax (cire perdue) process and on average measure between thirteen and eighteen centimeters long. Though fine and thin-walled, they rarely show casting flaws. Red felt or velvet is often stuffed inside the ornament to provide a rich contrast to the brilliant gold and highlight any openwork details. While Ghanaian treasuries today hold several dozen of these ornaments, they are quite rare in Western collections.

The image of the bull, as depicted in this ornament with its massive body, large head and thick legs, embodied many symbols that would be attributed to a respected leader. Physical strength and aggression were associated with martial and political power, fierce defense of the kingdom, and the resilience to overcome adversity. Cattle are a sign of wealth in agrarian societies and serve as an invocation of status. The common identification of the bull with virility and procreation also underscored a ruler’s role in continuing the royal lineage.

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