Pectoral disc "akrafokonmu" ("soul washers badge") · Ghana, Akan · ID: 3051767
Description
gold: 8 ct, 35 g,
In Akan thought, gold is considered an earthly counterpart to the sun and the physical manifestation of life’s vital force, or “kra”.
“Akrafokonmu” are worn as protective emblems by important members of the court, including royal attendants known as “akrafo”, or “soul washers”. Individuals selected for this title are beautiful young men and women born on the same day of the week as the king. Worthy of serving the king in light of their youth and vigor, they ritually purify and replenish the king’s vital powers and, in doing so, help to stabilize and protect the empire.
The object Pectoral disc “akrafokonmu” (“soul washers badge”) with the object ID 3051767 was last part of the auction Auction 104 at April 12, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house. The object with the lot number 293 achieved a sales price of EUR 4,700.
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Comparing literature
Garrard, Timothy, Afrikanisches Gold, München 1989, p. 68, ill. 62 & 63 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318430
Publications
"Oro de Africa - Insignias de Poder", Colección Stephanie Uhart Negret, Santiago de Chile 2007, p. 41 bottom