The red shells used to decorate this Asante sheath suggest it was owned by a person of high rank, as these cowrie shells were imported into Africa from Asia in exchange for gold. The sword is made of iron with a brass inlay and has a wooden hilt. The sheath is made from hide and shells. It is 545 mm long.
© Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives
Accession reference: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives, E1224
Themes
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Africa before Transatlantic Enslavement
The history of Africa and African people does not begin nor end with transatlantic slavery. Understand what Africa was like and what the continent lost as a result of the trade.
Background Reading
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The Lost Libraries Of Timbuktu
Until recently, many commentators on Africa claimed that African societies had no tradition of writing. With the rediscovery of ancient manuscript collections, some dating back to the 8th century AD, this perception is changing.
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Introduction To Various African Kingdoms