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Soul Disk Pendant, 1800s (cast gold, hammered)
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Soul Disk Pendant, 1800s (cast gold, hammered)
491453 Soul Disk Pendant, 1800s (cast gold, hammered)
by African School, (19th Century); w:11 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: Shared by different Akan and Akan-related peoples, including the Asante and Baule, gold ornaments indicate status and wealth and are worn at public festivals by titleholders, chiefs, and kings. Most pectoral disks are suspended over the chest by a white, pineapple-fiber cord. They are owned by the okra, a young official who purifies the chiefs soul--hence, the name akrafokonmu, meaning " soul-washers badges" or " soul disks."
); Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund; African, out of copyright
Media ID 23253866
© Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund / Bridgeman Images
Asante Ghana Guinea Coast Hammered Ornament Pendant
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a stunning Soul Disk Pendant from the 1800s, crafted with cast gold and hammered to perfection. Created by the African School in the 19th century, this exquisite piece measures approximately 11 cm in width and is currently housed at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio, USA. The pendant holds immense cultural significance as it was shared among various Akan and Akan-related peoples, including the Asante and Baule. In these communities, gold ornaments symbolize social status and wealth, often worn during public festivals by titleholders, chiefs, and kings. Typically suspended over the chest using a white cord made from pineapple fiber, pectoral disks like this one are owned by an individual known as the okra. The okra serves as a young official responsible for purifying the chief's soul. Hence why these remarkable pieces are referred to as akrafokonmu or "soul-washers badges" or "soul disks". The intricate craftsmanship of this guinea coast pendant reflects its ornate nature while representing African artistry at its finest. Its historical value lies not only in its beauty but also in its role within Ghanaian culture. This photograph captures every detail of this magnificent jewelry piece that has stood the test of time. It serves as a reminder of Africa's rich heritage and artistic traditions that continue to inspire awe today.
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