disc pendant;
soul disc
- Museum number
- Af1982,09.143
- Title
- Series: Asante Gold
- Description
-
A unifacial disc pendant (akrafokonmu) made of solid sheet gold, decorated in repoussé work and threaded onto a knotted and twisted vegetable fibre suspension cord (possibly pineapple fibre?) The centre of the disc has a raised circular boss surrounded by six loops or petals. These features are contained within a concentric circle of single raised dots which is followed by a further circle embellished with a sunburst pattern. The border is decorated with evenly-spaced incised lines. The edge is folded over to form a rim. The suspension lugs are shaped from sheet gold held in place with strips of gold and soldered to the reverse of the disc pendant.
- Production date
- 19thC(early) (?)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 26 centimetres (including cord)
-
Weight: 14.04 grammes
-
Width: 5.50 centimetres (max)
-
Depth: 0.60 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- The overall effect of the decoration of this disc pendant is of a vaguely floral ornament; however, it also bears a strong resemblance to architectural ornament, such as mud-wall reliefs used as decorations on shrine or house walls as far away as Zaria, Nigeria. Such elaborate decorations seem to derive from Islamic pattern.
The disc is well-worn indicating age and use.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- Fair. The twisted suspension cord shows traces of white powder (possibly white clay, hyire).
The cord is unravelled and a new section of different material is knotted in for short length.
- Acquisition date
- 1982
- Acquisition notes
- Originally obtained by the "SPG Missionary Society" [aka United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel ?]. Sold at Stevens [Auction Rooms] 19/8/1924, lot 274; [acquisition date by Wellcome Collection ?]. (Details from accompanying copy of Wellcome Collection accession slip). (AMD,2/1998).
- Department
- Africa, Oceania and the Americas
- Registration number
- Af1982,09.143
- Additional IDs
-
Previous owner/ex-collection number: 4833-1937 (Wellcome Collection Number)
