Sword – Asante – Metal, Wood – Ghana

Beautifull sword with beautiful carvings on the blade from the Asante tribe of Ghana. The end of the wooden handle is decorated with a British West African penny 1952.
Swords, axes, currency blades and spears, most made of forged iron, attest to the skills in metal of the blacksmiths of many traditional African peoples. Most exhibit an inventive variety of form and workmanship far beyond what was functionally necessary. Some functioned as weapons. Many , however, were solely for ceremonial or ritual use, or displayed for prestige or status. The largest selections also served as currency, with forms made in the style of weapons, but not functional. Good condition with a beautiful aged patina.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm (Germany).