Asante Ceremonial State-Sword Goldweight with Ornamented Scabbard, Cast Brass, Ghana, circa 1890–1920

An Asante cast-brass goldweight representing a ceremonial state sword, or afena, with a patterned scabbard and applied symbolic ornament. State swords formed an important part of Asante royal regalia and were associated with political authority, court ceremony and public office. christies.com The raised triangular element incorporates braided detailing and two curved handles. Its precise meaning remains uncertain, although it may represent a shield or another form of ceremonial attachment.

Individually produced by the lost-wax casting process, the weight preserves modelling and surface variations characteristic of hand casting. Figurative brass weights were historically used within the Akan gold-dust economy and are now collected as records of Asante metalworking, commerce and visual culture. Comparable museum examples are catalogued as cast-brass sword-form goldweights.
The surface displays age-related wear and varied golden-brown patination without obvious major losses.

SKU: EG AGW 11

Circa: Late 19th–early 20th century; approximately 1890–1920
Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection; by inheritance to the Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands
Measurements: 9.3 × 3.1 × 2.1 cm
Weight: 70 g