Speaker's staff "okyeame poma" ·  Ghana, Akan / Ashanti · ID: 3042656

Description

wood, covered with gold leaf, two separate carved figures, fixed on half-spherical base with short staff-like projection and nodus, covered by fluted decor, slightly dam., gold leaf missing in smaller areas, base.
The spokesmen known as “okyeame” carry a staff “poma” as a staff of office that is surmounted by a sculpted motif that puts into visual form a proverb or a saying or a historical event or political statement that the ruler and the state wish to be known. The spokesmen advise the king on tradtional law, speak for him in public and act as ambassadors when needed.

Comparing literature

van der Pas, Kathy et. al. (ed), Aspects, Akan cultures in Ghana, The Hague 2001, p. 56