Pectoral "akrafokonmu" · Ghana, Akan · ID: 3043114
German Private Collection
Description
gold, repoussé work, floral motif - called “fofoo” - in the centre, two eyelets for support, slightly dam.
“Akrafokonmu” are typically translated as “soul discs” or “soul washers badges”. They are worn by individuals (“akrafo”) charged with the rituals to purify the chiefs soul. In addition the breast plates sometimes adorn chiefs, sword bearers, representatives of royal matrilineages, and even deities (“abosom”). They are suspended from white pineapple fiber cord, although sometimes gold chains are used.
The object Pectoral “akrafokonmu” with the object ID 3043114 was last part of the auction 87th Tribal Art Auction at November 11, 2017 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 275.
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Comparing literature
Ross, Doran H., Gold of the Akan from the Glassell Collection, Houston 2002, p. 121