Ghana (Asante)

Asante Gold Disc Ornament (Akrafokonmu / Soul Washer's Badge Style)

2753

Crafted during the 19th century (prior to the British punitive raid of 1874), during the height of the independent Asante Empire.

Created as a high-status royal court ornament, originally threaded to a canopy, ceremonial umbrella, or item of state furniture in the Asante court (or associated with soul-washing purification rituals), functioning as a visual proclamation of sovereign wealth, solar divine energy, and political authority.