Guns and Swords
Asante Prestige figure, Ghana. Wood covered with gold foil. 19 cm. Images of figures that display weapons and arms emphasizes the strength of the chief and his people and their superiority and readiness for war. This figure’s attire holds strong similarities to the uniforms worn by Ghanaian soldiers of the Royal West African Frontier Force during WWI/ WWII. It possibly represents an individual of high standing in the community that wanted to commemorate this important accomplishment and status in his life. EX Galerie Walu, Zurich, Switzerland. Published: Lüthi, Werner & David, Jean (2009). Exhibition catalogue: Helvetic Gold Museum Burgdorf. Gold in West African Art. Zurich: Galerie Walu, p. 12 Exhibited: Helvetic Gold Museum Burgdorf (2009)
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)
Asante prestige figure or remnant of an “Okyeame Poma” staff finial. The figure is in two parts consisting of a male figure and a rifle. The figure has his right hand out, palm facing downward. The left arm holds a rifle. Wood. H: 27 cm, H: 10,6 inch. Ex Zemanek-Münster Germany, lot 209, Ex Peter Stoffers, Kiel, Germany
An Akan belt of a notable, Côte d'Ivoire. Wood, covered with gold foil, fur, textile. L 72cm. It features the distinctive double-knife that illustrates a Baule proverb, ““The blade of a knife cannot carve its own handle,” demonstrating the need for cooperation in any endeavor." Estate of René David (1928-2015), Zurich. Exhibited: Musée International du Golfe de Guinée, Togo (2005-2011)