2014.26.1 Sword ornament in the form of a spider

This cast gold spider (ananse), a symbol of wisdom, once decorated a personal sword belonging to Kwaku Dua II, who ruled the Asante Kingdom in 1884. Although Kwaku Dua II was designated the heir apparent by his dying grandfather, he did not automatically become Asantehene (king) upon coming of age; instead, he was one of three rivals for the position. In an effort to gain British support for his claim, Kwaku Dua II offered this casting as a “mark of private friendship” to the colonial governor of the Gold Coast (modern Ghana).h

Uncertain of what the spider symbolized and whether accepting it would commit him to intervene on Kwaku Dua II’s behalf, the governor returned it; however, Kwaku Dua II was eventually crowned, perhaps with assistance from another British official.

Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.

1883 or 1884: Either purchased or was presented as diplomatic gift from the Asante leadership to two British colonial officials, one of whom was Assistant Inspector Brandon Kirby, in the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana)

Before 1891: John Edward Cree (d. 1929), Scotland and Carrizozo, New Mexico

n.d.: John Cree (his great-great grandson), by descent

2014: Dallas Museum of Art, purchased from above through Shango Galleries, Dallas, Texas [1]

Notes:

The main source for this provenance is the Acquisition Proposal in the Collections Records object file (2014.26.1). Exceptions and other supporting documents are noted.

[1] See the copy of the invoice dated June 1, 2014, in the Collections Records object file (2014.26.1). 

Gallery talk by Dr. Roslyn Walker: New Acquisition- Sword ornament in the form of a spider, 67790026: UMO

Kwaku Dua II portrayed with his personal stool in 1884, just prior to his coronation, 68290891: UMO

Apply to objects where number equals 2014.26.1