Cannon and powder keg imagery in Akan objects speak to the readiness, strength and power of the state and the chiefs. The imagery can be found on most objects including counselor staffs, sword hilts, sword ornaments, gold weights, textiles, and jewelry such as chief regalia rings (mpetea) and bracelets.
The Cannons of Cape Coast Castle, Ghana 2002.
An Akuapem counselor’s staff finial (okyeame poma). Imagery of cannons and powder kegs speaks to the readiness, strength, and power of the state and chief. The imagery also appears to depict 3 cannon balls on the top of the cannon. This example carved of wood and covered with gold leaf is missing the staff segments. The Akuapem is one of the few confederacies in Ghana. It consists of people of Guan and Akan descent. The name Akuapem is an altered form of the Akan Twi word “Nkuu apem” meaning “thousand groups” given by the warrior king Nana Ansa Sasraku I of Akwamu when his invasion forces were outnumbered and overpowered. Ex Amyas Naegele, NY, Ex Long Island, NY Private Collection.
Asante silver bracelet with 3 cannons representing strength and readiness on top of 3 wisdom knots "NYANSAPO"- the symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence and patience. "An especially revered symbol of the Akan, this symbol conveys the idea that "a wise person has the capacity to choose the best means to attain a goal. Being wise implies broad knowledge, learning and experience, and the ability to apply such faculties to practical ends." From the estate of René David (1928-2015), Zurich. Exhibited: Musée International du Golfe de Guinée, Togo (2005-2011).
An Akan sculptural sword hilt carved of wood and covered with gold foil and gold staples. 23 cm. Ghana. The image consist of two heads on top of two gunpowder keg barrels- a reference to the power of the state and chief.
An Asante linguist staff finial (okyeame poma) portraying two Asante warriors: one with a gun, standing on a powder keg and the other with an akrafena sword standing on the severed head of a fallen enemy. This could commemorate a localized battle or refer to a historic event in the Asante kingdom. More research and interpretation is needed. It’s still one of my favorite works in the collection. Wood, hammered gold foil, gold staples. 25.5cm H From the estate René David (1928-2015), Zurich. Exhibited: Musée International du Golfe de Guinée, Togo (2005-2011)
An Asante chief’s ring “mpetea” of a bird with cannons at the base of each wing and a powder keg in its beak and on its tail. Cast gold alloy, H 4 cm, Ghana. “One of the most explicit, if fanciful, symbols of power found on Asante sword ornaments is a bird with cannons on its wings and often a keg of gunpowder on its back and in its beak. The body of the bird is typically configured as a square knot (nyansapɔ), a symbol of wisdom and the ability to solve problems among the Akan who say "Only a wise man can untie nyansapɔ. This powerful and wise avian ordnance is one of the most common “abɔsodeɛ” and is also frequently found in gold weights, counselors' staffs, and chiefs' finger rings. The expression associated with this image is primarily descriptive, "The bird that flies with cannons and gun-powder." Nevertheless, it is an evocative metaphor for the martial capabilities of chief and state.” -D.Ross. Provenance: Gallery Walu, Zurich, estate of Andreas Vontobel (1931-2011), Waltalingen.
he image is the “bird that flies with cannons.” An exquisitely carved Asante “Okyeame poma” (linguist/counselor’s staff). Wood, hammered silver foil. Ghana. 62.5 inches H. Magnificent gold-covered staffs (or in this case silver covered) are carried by high-ranking officials within the courts of Akan chiefs in an area of West Africa once known as the Gold Coast. Because they are a society that originally had no written tradition, the Akan peoples place an enormous emphasis on speech. The spoken word, in the form of axioms and stories, is the repository of Akan custom and values, and a complete mastery of proverbial lore, combined with an eloquent and insightful way of conveying it, is considered the mark of intellect of highly esteemed individuals. Those who possess this knowledge and an articulate command of language may be appointed as court linguists, the most important nonroyal court officials. The expression associated with the image is primarily descriptive, "The bird that flies with cannons and gun- powder." Nevertheless, it is an evocative metaphor for the martial capabilities of chief and state.” -D.Ross. ex Collection of Michael von Schenck (1931), Basel. 1980-1983 Swiss Ambassador in Ghana
