Gold-weight
Akan
Description
Subject Matter:
Figurative gold-weight in the form of a double-bladed sword, called afenatene in Twi by Akan-speaking peoples in Ghana (cf. British Museum object number Af1906,0701.62) and called afranta in the pre-colonial Asante kingdom of Kumasi (cf. Niangoran-Bouah, The Akan World of Gold Weights, 1987, Vol. 3, p. 158). The hilt is decorated with what could be three seed pods or three amulets, called safi (cf. British Museum object number Af1948,13.6). Actual swords were part of a king's regalia, and were normally covered in a leather or ray-skin sheath (Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014). The swords or sabers of the various Akan kingdoms served distinct functions, such as the saber that announced the death of a dignitary or one used by the king to take an oath of loyalty to the throne-stool (cf. Niangoran-Bouah, The Akan World of Gold Weights, 1987, Vol. 3, pp. 152-159). Known as the sword of kingship or the long sword, the afenatene used to be displayed near the chief when sitting in state within the palace (Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014; MacLeod, The Asante, 1981, pp. 91-92) or brandished during enthronement rituals or the Yam Festival. A proverb associated with this form of gold-weight states that 'the sword of justice cuts right, cuts left', meaning that in judicial matters, the king doesn't grant anyone special favors. A similar message was also found in the drum that accompanied this sword, which said 'I have no favorite, I have no enemy' (cf. Niangoran-Bouah, The Akan World of Gold Weights, 1987, Vol. 3, p. 158).
Physical Description:
Gold-weight in the shape of two blades attached to a bar-bell shaped handle. There are two open work triangles on each of the blades, and the two balls on the handle have incised, spiral stripes with studs. Three oblong shapes with perpendicular lines decorate the shaft of the blades.
Usage Rights:
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