Soul Washer's Badge

Browse the collection

Culture Akan

Title Soul Washer's Badge (Akrafokonmu)

Date Unknown

Medium Gold

Dimensions Weight: 0.24 lb. (0.1 kg)
Object: 4 1/2 × 5 × 1 in. (11.4 × 12.7 × 2.5 cm)
Overall: 4 1/2 × 5 × 1 in. (11.4 × 12.7 × 2.5 cm)

Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 79.18

Share this artwork!

About this Work

The circular form of the pendant, the concentric designs and its material, gold, were for the Akan peoples an association with the sun, understood as the source of the king’s power. One of many golden objects used in court, this pendant, was worn by royal attendants and other powerful people, both male and female. It functioned as a protective emblem and was worn by the beautiful young men and women who ritually purified the king’s soul thereby renewing both his and the nation’s powers. In this was the nation was protected and renewed.

Provenance
More Details

Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

Viewing Information
This artwork is currently off display. You may be able to see this artwork by filling out an art viewing room request.

Request this Image
The Eskenazi Museum of Art provides images of its collection, free of charge, upon request. This artwork is under copyright protection. You can request the image and it will be emailed to you when the request is complete.

Cite this Page
"Soul Washer's Badge | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2024. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=79.18