Abrammuo: Decapitated head
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Abrammuo: Decapitated head
Maker
Akan
Date19th century or earlier
GeographyGhana, Africa
MediumBronze
Dimensionsoverall: 1 in. x 3/4 in. x 3/4 in. (2.5 cm x 1.9 cm x 1.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of John J. and Halina Klejman
Object number1960.50.7
Status
On viewProvenanceBetween 1895 and 1920, probably acquired by Sir Cecil Hamilton Armitage KBE, CMG, DSO in the Gold Coast; 1933, probably purchased from Armitage estate by Maurice Stanley Cockin; 1960, purchased by John J. and Halina Klejman, New York City, New York; 1960, gift of John J. and Halina Klejman to the Davis Museum.
RightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws
Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA
More InformationSymbols of royalty abound in Akan gold weights. These images of power may have been used in royal treasuries, but they were also potent symbols for people outside the courts. During the height of gold weights’ usage in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the most powerful Akan kingdom was the Asante Kingdom, which was founded in 1701. The Asante empire absorbed some smaller Akan states, but others remained independent.
This weight may have commemorated the head of a specific enemy who had been captured in war.