Pectoral "akrafokonmu" ("Disque de laveur d'âmes") ·  Ghana, Akan · ID: 3051767

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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.

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Littérature comparée

Garrard, Timothy, Afrikanisches Gold, München 1989, p. 68, ill. 62 & 63 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/318430

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Publications

"Oro de Africa - Insignias de Poder", Colección Stephanie Uhart Negret, Santiago de Chile 2007, p. 41 bottom

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