{"product_id":"vintage-akan-ashanti-gold-weight-figurative-weight-of-a-wading-bird-5-5-african","title":"Vintage Akan Bronze Plaques Set of 3 Dog Lion Leopard Clan Symbols Ghana","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverview: West African Lost-Wax Castings with Proverbial Symbolism\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a museum-quality set of three antique brass\/bronze figurative plaques from the Akan people of Ghana, West Africa, specifically associated with the Asante\/Ashanti culture. Each piece was meticulously created using the lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike typical gold weights, these rectangular plaques were likely decorative adornments for a shrine, belt, or ceremonial textile due to the distinctive attachment pins on their sides. They depict three powerful animals—a dog, a lion, and a leopard—each representing a fundamental proverb or clan totem (Abusua).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed Art Analysis and Cultural Context\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese castings are miniature masterpieces that serve as visual mnemonics for Akan history and social structure:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium and Provenance: Cast in a heavy copper alloy (brass\/bronze), these plaques bear a deep, naturally oxidized patina consistent with genuine antiquity. The quality of the relief carving points to the skills of the master casters of the Late Period (c. 18th–19th Century).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dog Plaque (Aduana Clan): The dog is the sacred totem of the major Aduana clan. The image references the founding myth where a dog brought fire to the ancestors, symbolizing bravery, honesty, and leadership (Ogyaasefuo—\"people of the fire-place\").\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Leopard Plaque (Bretuo Clan): The leopard is the totem of the powerful Bretuo clan and is widely recognized as the preeminent symbol of martial power, courage, and ferocity in the forested Ashanti region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lion Plaque (Symbol of Authority): The lion represents kingship, strength, and supreme authority, reinforcing the hierarchy and power of the Akan political structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConstruction: The rectangular form and the presence of small loops\/pins on the edges suggest the plaques were designed to be linked together or sewn onto cloth or leather as a badge of office or a sacred textile border, similar to miniature decorative shields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set of three plaques is a rare grouping that directly illustrates the rich symbolic language and matrilineal clan structure of the Asante people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eItem Details\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCulture: Akan People (Asante\/Ashanti)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin: Ghana, West Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: Set of 3 Figurative Brass\/Bronze Plaques (Likely Ceremonial Adornment)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedium: Lost-Wax Cast Copper Alloy (Brass\/Bronze)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximate Dimensions (Each):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength: 3.8 Inches (Approx. 9.7 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 2.2 Inches (Approx. 5.6 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Excellent antique condition. Exhibits a stable, dark, rich patina. The relief details are sharp, and the original attachment loops are intact.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Belle Afrik Arts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":60049638129950,"sku":"BA-1275","price":66.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1081\/5176\/7326\/files\/il_fullxfull.7330200898_imdo.jpg?v=1790372267","url":"https:\/\/belleafrikarts.com\/products\/vintage-akan-ashanti-gold-weight-figurative-weight-of-a-wading-bird-5-5-african","provider":"Belle Afrik Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}