Interesting Ashanti ceremonial sword?

VANDOO · 19th December 2012, 04:09 AM

One of the most important symbolic objects of the Akan (Asante, Fante, Baule,etc.) peoples are the ceremonial swords called "Afena". Some (Numbers 1-3), with white and offerings on them are called an "Okomfo Afena" and were used by shrine priests. They originated as practical weapons, then took on various ideological and ritual roles. Dull blades, sometimes with openwork, show they were not intended to be functional weapons. They usually have a curved iron blade and an ornate hilt shaped like a dumbell, which is sometimes covered with gold leaf.. The specific functions and forms of swords vary from state to state. In general, swords are (or were) used for swearing oaths, as symbols of rank and safe passage, and for display.

---Dan Mato, Professor Emeritus of Art History, The University of Calgary

I CAME ACROSS THIS INFORMATION A SEARCH OF THE NET WILL YEILD MORE INF.

VANDOO · 4th September 2013, 06:00 AM

TWO MORE EXAMPLES, THE FIRST PICTURE LOOKS MORE LIKE AN ASANTE SWORD I AM NOT SURE OF THE OTHER ONE.

Sajen · 4th September 2013, 05:47 PM

This one was sold recently via ebay.

4th September 2013, 06:00 AM	#2
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	TWO MORE EXAMPLES, THE FIRST PICTURE LOOKS MORE LIKE AN ASANTE SWORD I AM NOT SURE OF THE OTHER ONE. Attached Images Last edited by VANDOO; 4th September 2013 at 06:10 AM.

4th September 2013, 05:47 PM	#3
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,164	This one was sold recently via ebay. Attached Images

19th December 2012, 04:09 AM	#1
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	One of the most important symbolic objects of the Akan (Asante, Fante, Baule,etc.) peoples are the ceremonial swords called "Afena". Some (Numbers 1-3), with white and offerings on them are called an "Okomfo Afena" and were used by shrine priests. They originated as practical weapons, then took on various ideological and ritual roles. Dull blades, sometimes with openwork, show they were not intended to be functional weapons. They usually have a curved iron blade and an ornate hilt shaped like a dumbell, which is sometimes covered with gold leaf.. The specific functions and forms of swords vary from state to state. In general, swords are (or were) used for swearing oaths, as symbols of rank and safe passage, and for display. ---Dan Mato, Professor Emeritus of Art History, The University of Calgary I CAME ACROSS THIS INFORMATION A SEARCH OF THE NET WILL YEILD MORE INF.