GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This heavy, hollow cast gold sculpture depicting a male lion originally adorned a state sword ( afena) that was displayed—rather than worn—by the king’s sword bearers on important ceremonial occasions. The lion is an emblem for the bravery of the chief. An Asante proverb states, “If the lion has no intention to attack, it will not show its teeth before you,” advising a person to heed the warnings of a chief. This lion’s teeth are bared.
Gold is the sun’s earthly complement; like the sun, the Asante king represents the soul and vitality of the Asante nation. Thus, the Asantehene (king), the chiefs, and other officials wear and carry an abundance of gold.
Excerpt from
Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.
NOTES
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
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Geography
Process/materials
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RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
1976: State Treasury of the Nsutahene [1]
Until 1995: Ibrahim Abdoulaye, Paris
1995-2010: Charles and Kent Davis, Davis Gallery, New Orleans
2010: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc. [2]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is Dr. Roslyn Walker, 'Acquisition Justification' (2010), in the collections records object file.
[1] 1976 field photos by Doran Ross. See document titled 'Acquisition Justification' in collections records object file.
[2] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized art galleries or museums. The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fund remains with the Fund.
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
Curator Roslyn Walker discusses this sculpture, 12937518: UMO
IMAGE ASSETS
Sword bearer’s hats and state swords with gold ornaments on a Fulani blanket imported from the north. State treasury
of the Kumawuhene, 1976. 208220828: UMO
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TEACHING IDEAS
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apply to objects where number equals 2010.2.McD
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General Description
This heavy, hollow cast gold sculpture depicting a male lion originally adorned a state sword ( afena) that was displayed—rather than worn—by the king’s sword bearers on important ceremonial occasions. The lion is an emblem for the bravery of the chief. An Asante proverb states, “If the lion has no intention to attack, it will not show its teeth before you,” advising a person to heed the warnings of a chief. This lion’s teeth are bared.
Gold is the sun’s earthly complement; like the sun, the Asante king represents the soul and vitality of the Asante nation. Thus, the Asantehene (king), the chiefs, and other officials wear and carry an abundance of gold.
Excerpt from
Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.
Fun Facts
Archival Resources
Web Resources
Notes
Catalogue essays
Artist/designers
Cultures
Geography
Process/materials
Historical periods
Individuals
Subject terms
RELATED OBJECTS
PROVENANCE
1976: State Treasury of the Nsutahene [1]
Until 1995: Ibrahim Abdoulaye, Paris
1995-2010: Charles and Kent Davis, Davis Gallery, New Orleans
2010: Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc. [2]
Notes:
The main source for this provenance is Dr. Roslyn Walker, 'Acquisition Justification' (2010), in the collections records object file.
[1] 1976 field photos by Doran Ross. See document titled 'Acquisition Justification' in collections records object file.
[2] Works of art given or purchased by The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization, are placed in the custody of the DMA for the purpose of public display on the premises of the Museum or in other recognized art galleries or museums. The title to all works of art purchased (or otherwise acquired) by the McDermott Art Fund remains with the Fund.
AUDIO ASSETS
VIDEO ASSETS
Curator Roslyn Walker discusses this sculpture, 12937518: UMO
rules
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