19th C. African Akan 22K+ Gold Foil Scabbard / Knife

West Africa, Ghana, Akan, late 19th to early 20th century. A very special Akan sepo carbon steel knife with a 22K+ gold foil (95% gold) covered wood handle and sheath. The sheath presents an elegant design comprised of two egg-like volumes protruding in high relief from the long rectangular backing and a perforated loop at the back for attaching to the owner's clothing. The handle presents a hemispheric base followed by a narrow lozenge-shaped passage followed by a crown-like pommel. The gold foil is meticulously impressed with striated and kente textile-inspired geometric patterns throughout. A knife like this was created for an Akan court official known as either an adumfoo or an atumtufoo - two positions that are variously translated as constabulary, bodyguards, and executioners. Size: 9.25" H (23.5 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand. Gold quality: 95%, equivalent to over 22 karat gold.

According to scholar Doran H. Ross, "Sepo are generally referred to as 'executioners' knives' and were once thrust through the cheeks of a criminal to prevent oaths against the chief before another sepo was used to decapitate the victim." ("Gold of the Akan from the Glassell Collection" by Doran H. Ross with contributions by Frances Marzio: The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 2002, p. 123.)

Gold-leafing is a longstanding technique in the Akan region of Ghana. To create gold-leaf a pellet of gold is meticulously hammered and turned on an anvil until forming a uniformly thin sheet. Once created, this gold leaf is carefully placed on a carved object and secured via an adhesive or tiny metal staples.

See another gold-foil covered sepo handle in Doran H. Ross's "Gold of the Akan from the Glassell Collection" (The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, 2002) figure 5.16 on page 126.

Provenance: private Glendale, Arizona, USA collection, collected from 1970 to 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#152376 Dimensions: Condition Report: Blade has developed a rich age patina. Minute tears and losses to gold foil as shown, but relatively well preserved for its age. A wonderful example replete with impressive artistry and technique.