Sword "afena" in leather sheath ·  Ghana, Ashanti · ID: 3050149

Description

wood, gold leaf, animal skin with fur,

Swords “afena” were prominently displayed at royal courts as regalia of the king reflecting upon his power and authority. They were held by the ruler during his enstoolment or gripped by subchiefs, who swore their allegiance to him.

They were used in a variety of ways. Sword bearers flanked the ruler during processions. They were used to swear oaths (“nsuafena”) and as badges of office for messengers or envoys of the king (“asomfofena”). Priests used them during rituals and they were placed in shrines as objects of veneration.

The object Sword “afena” in leather sheath with the object ID 3050149 was part of the auction 101st Auction on November 11, 2023. The object with the lot number 71 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,300 with an asking price of EUR 800.

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Comparing literature

van der Pas, Kathy et. al. (ed), Aspects, Akan cultures in Ghana, The Hague 2001, p. 53

Publications

Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Alexander Kubetz, "panga na visu", Riedlhütte 2009, p. 37, ill. 50