Abrewa Posoposo
Abrewa Posoposo
Chief sandals (mpaboa), leather, wood covered with gold foil. Ghana. Sandals are the equivalent to the European crown when identifying a ruler in the Akan states. The straps are usually covered with gold ornaments that point to proverbs and can also be seen on the abotire headbands or “crowns” of the Akan. It is most likely that the sandals came first and influenced the crowns. Here we see ornaments made of carved wood covered with gold leaf representing the night bird asantrofie (center). This bird motif addresses the dilemmas inherent in decision making, “If you take asantrofie you bring bad luck, if you leave asantrofie you lose good fortune,” a kind of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation.’ (Ross). Other ornaments include fluted forms, cowrie shells, beetles, and the sun and moon motif. The fluted forms are representations of insect cocoons and are more frequently seen in cast form as gold weights. The image is meant to suggest a dilemma: “It is a puzzle to know how the caterpillar entered its cocoon; did it build it before entering it or did it build it around itself?” (Menzel 1968, 181). In other words, some things are destined to remain a mystery. The star and moon motif usually seen on abotire headbands points to a proverb recorded by Garrard: “The evening star, desirous of being married, always stays close to the moon.” He explained, “In the political context it would indicate that the people love their chief and will support him” (Ross).
Asante Pectorals “Soul Washer’s discs” (Akrafokonmu), Ghana. Cast gold alloy (left) 12cm, and wood covered with gold foil (right) 13cm. Pectorals were worn as a sign of rank and allegiance of the royal families at the festivities. They are worn by distinguished dignitaries and are also called soul disks. The symbol of the sun also allegorically stands for the radiant soul of Asantehene (Regent of the Asante) and is supposed to protect the bearers. The bearer also protects and holds a part of the soul of the chief.
A rare and beautiful Asante “NSATIRE” elbow amulet with intricately decorated protection amulets covered with gold and silver sheet (repoussé). The gold and silver sheeting is attached by sewn gold and silver “thread”. Other materials include Leather, silk, textile, and secret protection materials. This armband was worn around the arm of an Akan chief to protect him from outside forces. 19 cm. Ex Sylvia and Henry Gygax Collection, Switzerland.
Asante Kente Cloth Textile, Early/Mid 20th C. Silk and Cotton.118'' x 80'' (300 x 203 cm) From the collection of Allan Stone, New York.