2017.9 Kuduo

Kuduo are cast brass containers for storing valuables; they were also used in religious, social, and civic rites. Arabic calligraphy and geometric motifs were introduced to Akan peoples via the trans-Saharan and trans-Sudanic gold trade. Several Asante towns became important trading centers with a strong Muslim presence. By the 16th century, brass vessels had been assimilated into Akan culture as sacred objects. Their decoration was a combination of Muslim and Akan surface designs. Later, Akan metalsmiths created new configurations and designs based on the prototypes.

This object is an example of a casket kuduo, which are the most complex and typically largest form of Asante cast brass vessels. They have three integrated parts: a pedestal base, a body, and a hinged lid. The lid of the vessel is decorated with geometric relief castings of a stepped pyramid, and other forms that may represent powder kegs and beads. Over time, the complexity of casket kuduo decoration increased; later examples bear figural scenes in high relief. 

Cultures
Akan (culture): AAT: 300016000
Asante: AAT: 300016004

Geography 
Ghana (nation): TGN: 1000166

Process/materials
brass (alloy): AAT: 300010946
casting (process): AAT: 300053104
calligraphy (process): AAT: 300053162

Subject terms
Arabic (style): AAT: 300385957
containers (hierarchy name): AAT: 300045611
gold (color): AAT: 300311191
kuduo: AAT: 300261922
metalwork: AAT: 300015336
prestige: AAT: 300343604
sacred objects: AAT: 300234190
storage containers: AAT: 300197582
trade (function): AAT: 300061886

PROVENANCE 
Before 1960: Merton Simpson Gallery, New York

1960-2013: Roy and Sophia Seiber

2013-2017: Roy and Sophia Seiber Irrevocable Trust, Bloomington Indiana

From 2017: Dallas Museum of Art, African Collection Fund purchase from above

The main source for this provenance is information previously entered in TMS. 

Apply to objects where number equals 2017.9