Kweku Okokroko
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.
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.