State sword (afena) nineteenth century
Iron, wood, gold leaf | 66.0 cm (length) | RCIN 62823
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An Ashanti state sword (afena). The curved iron blade pierced at the cutting edge with geometric open work of lozenges and semi-circles, and engraved on its length with two parallel lines, with 11 circular punch marks along the outer edge. The wooden grip dumbbell-shaped, with a cone-tipped pommel, carved with geometric designs and covered with gold leaf (some now missing).
Swords of this kind were worn by high-ranking members of the Ashanti court. Cast gold ornaments representing political and military strength were hung from the hilt or scabbard.Provenance
Said to have belonged to King Kofi Karikari of Ashanti (c.1837-84) and been taken from his palace at Kumasi. First recorded in the Royal Collection in the North Corridor Inventory at Windsor Castle with the note, 'Taken from Coffee King of Ashantee Coomassie.'
The sword is likely one of the 'curious specimens of rough working in gold of the Ashanti' described by General Ponsonby in a letter to Queen Victoria on 31 March 1874. Ponsonby wrote that the British officers 'consider it their duty as well as an honour to submit these articles - or the best of them to Your Majesty before publicly selling them.'
On 2 April 1874 the queen recorded in her Journal that she 'looked at some gold ornaments, huge gold masks, rings, bracelets & other ornaments brought from Coomassie [Kumasi], (all of pure gold), by officers & others, sent in as an indemnity. They are being sold for the benefit of the Army & I have bought some.'
Lent by Queen Victoria for display at the Royal Military Exhibition in Chelsea, London, 1890 (cat. no.1192). -
Creator(s)
(nationality) -
Medium and techniques
Iron, wood, gold leaf
Measurements
66.0 cm (length)
Place of Production
Ghana
