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African & Tribal Art :
Archive : Akan Gilt Wooden Flywhisk
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Akan Gilt Wooden Flywhisk - PF.5896
Origin: Ghana
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
10.25" (26.0cm) high
Collection: African
Medium: Wood, Gold
Additional Information: Height does not include the horsehair. AS
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
The flywhisk is one of the penultimate symbols
of royalty in Africa. In most cultures around the
world, the wealth and power of a king or leader
is measured by the sumptuous nature of his
possessions. The king is lofted above the status
of mere mortals into the realm of the divine by
the luxury of his regalia. In many cultures of
Africa, colorful beads intricately woven into
spectacular robes and hats are the costume of
royalty. Both the vibrancy of the colours and the
sophistication of the woven patterns would have
wowed the public and given the king an
appropriate royal aura. This flywhisk has been
carved by a master artist working for the royal
court. The impressive carving is further
embellished by a thin layer of gold sheet that has
been pounded onto the wood. This sumptuous
wrapping makes the flywhisk even more
stunning and befitting of a king. A bright red
cloth covers the join of the horsehair whisk and
the wooden handle. A baby elephant, trunk
coiled into a ball, crowns the top of the handle.
The neck is decorated by a series of intricately
carved abstract motifs. The body is adorned by
two carved faces, rendered in a fashion typical of
the Akan group. The faces are separated by two
crabs.
This striking opposition most likely has a
symbolic significance that relates to the king.
One
must picture the king seated high upon his
throne, feet resting on a cushion, wearing
beaded robes and jewelry during a royal
ceremony. In the corner behind the king stands
a servant who gently waves this whisk around the
king, shooing away the pesky flies that attempt
to land on his royal highness. When we imagine
this ceremony, the true luxury of the king that
this flywhisk represents becomes evident.
- (PF.5896)
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