Asante sword and sheath

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


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