Description:

West Africa, Ghana, Ashanti (Asante) culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A remarkable prestige sword known as an afenatene (long sword), which was a type of akrafena or Ashanti sword originally intended for warfare, but was also used as part of Ashanti heraldry. The impressive weapon boasts a lengthy carbon steel blade and a wooden hilt. The fascinating blade is composed of a rectangular rain guard, an elongated strong made of braided steel, and a sizable, a flat foible adorned with openwork designs resembling crabs and monkeys that are likely Adinkra symbols (Ghanaian symbols representing concepts and aphorisms). Alternatively, the hand-carved wooden hilt displays a spherical cross guard and pommel connected via a cylindrical grip, all decoratively incised with vertical, diagonal, and horizontal striations. A petite conical embellishment is featured at the end of the pommel. Traditionally, afenatenes were used to penetrate the hearts of Ashanti war opponents. Size: 8.75" W x 52" H (22.2 cm x 132.1 cm); 55" H (139.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Isabel and Marshall Mount collection, 1960 to 2000

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#161301

  • Condition: Light nicks/chips and abrasions to hilt, as shown. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely patina throughout.

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June 24, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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