Asante (Ashanti, Achanti, Ashante, Ashanti), Ghana

Hair Pin.  The Asante region of southern Ghana is a remnant of the Ashanti Empire, which was founded in the early 17th century. The art of Asante can be classified into two main groups: metalwork (casts of brass or gold using a lost-wax method and objects made of hammered metal sheets) and wood carvings. When the Asante queen mother, kings, and other dignitaries appeared in public, they were accompanied by large retinues. Bodyguards, drummers, bell-ringers, and parasol-bearers would be positioned behind the king, those to the left being princely office holders, those to the right non-royal authorities. Such hair pins are a kind of items serving to add the ceremonial dress of dignitaries. The top of the hair pin is decorated with two mythological animals.

Material: brass

Size: H. 8”, W. 2½”, D. ½”