disc pendant;
soul disc
- Museum number
- Af1900,0427.30
- Title
- Series: Asante Gold
- Description
-
Lost wax casting in gold of a disc pendant (akrafokonmu) with a conical raised central boss and repoussé and open-work decoration. The solid central boss is decorated with four vertical loops and is surrounded by an open-work circle. The main ground of the disc pendant is decorated with a cross motif that is infilled with a series of lozenge-shaped patterns that are decorated with cross-hatching. In between the arms of the cross are symmetrical highly stylised open-work foliate designs consisting of a central leaf flanked on either side by two others that resemble fleur de lys. Two suspension lugs are situated either side of the disc and equi-distant to these are two half discs soldered to the folded over rim.
- Production date
- 19thC
- Dimensions
-
Length: 5.40 centimetres
-
Weight: 15.56 grammes
-
Width: 5.70 centimetres
-
Depth: 0.80 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- The design of this disc pendant is a variant of the lozenge form or equal-armed cross, expressed as four arcs, which is commonly known as the 'Cross of Agades' and is found all over North Africa.
The floral motifs may symbolise aya leaves, with their attendant symbolism of defiance. Aya leaves are often seen on other types of metal-work and, in a variant form, on adinkra stamped cloth. The overall design is based on Islamic floral patterns and in Asante is considered to be a symbol of Onyame, the supreme creator God.
This disc pendant is also very similar to examples depicted in Jean Barbot's engraving of Akan gold ornaments published in 1732 suggesting that it has a long history of use in Islamic and Akan art.
This disc pendant was created using a core over which wax was moulded and modelled. After casting the core was picked out.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- Fair. The rim has been repaired near to one of the lugs. A tear in the gold has been patched on the face and the reverse in an attempt to mend it.
- Acquisition date
- 1900
- Department
- Africa, Oceania and the Americas
- Registration number
- Af1900,0427.30
