Lost wax cast figurative goldweight in brass, in the form of a human male head with tufts of hair. Hatch lines demarcate the eyebrows, eyeholes and the mouth which is shown open. Single hatch lines also decorate the edges of the head and face and cross marks (scarification?) are located on each cheek. Two protruding spikes emerge from either side of the mouth (the hilts of sepow knives?). There is a suspension loop at the top of the head and the underside is concave in shape and hollow.

The traditional practice of beheading men of high status on the battlefield and in captivity following conflict is recorded in historical accounts of the Gold Coast such as Bowdich 1819 and Dupuis 1824. Trophy heads were bound to the hilts of swords, to stools and other paraphernalia and displayed in public processions during the pre-colonial period (pre-1896). This weight may represent the head of chief Worosa or Adinkra both of whom died as a result of armed conflict with the Asante in the early ninteenth century. Sacrificial victims and criminals traditionally had small knives (sepow) inserted through the cheeks and lips prior to death to prevent them from speaking.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.

Scanned : Photogrammetry (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan)