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.
Head of an "OBA" from the Edo of Benin
This brass head from Benin, West Africa, dates from the mid-to late 16th century. When each oba (or king) died he had a shrine made in his memory. Brass heads like this were placed on the shrine, alongside ivory tusks, and other metal and wooden objects. All the objects in the oba's palace in Benin were looted and removed by a British naval-expedition in 1898; the king was sent into exile and the British took over. Benin artefacts (collectively called the Benin Bronzes) are now displayed in museums around the world.
Mask of the Sande Society from the Mende of Sierra Leone
The Sande mask from Sierra Leone is the only mask used by women in dances in Africa: most societies only have masks to be worn by men. This wooden mask represents the ideal of feminine beauty for the Mende people. It is 478 mm high
Asante boxes for gold dust
Gold was central to the Asante economy of West Africa and commercial transactions used gold or gold dust. Brass boxes were used for storing gold dust, and great care was taken not to lose any of the fine powder. These brass boxes are 59, 44 and 53 mm long.
Guinea Coin
First minted in 1663, the 'Guinea', took its name from the West Coast of Africa, from which most of the gold was imported. For a period after the formation of the Royal African Company in 1672, the guinea coin featured the company's elephant and castle logo (seen here beneath the King's head).
Small drum
This is a small drum, from Akim, Accra, Ghana. It measures 140 mm wide x 340 mm deep. Drums were an important part of African rituals, ceremonies and musical traditions, and continued to be used in the Caribbean and Americas. However, drums were banned in some plantation societies for fear.
Wrought Iron Gong
This gong made of two flattened bell shapes joined at the top and edges is made of wrought iron. It comes from Calabar, Nigeria, West Africa.
Baule Combe
A wooden comb from the Baule ethnic group on the Ivory Coast of Africa. It is carefully carved showing skilled craftsmanship and is 134 mm long.
Welt River Harp
This musical instrument, is made of wood, calabash and hide with a carved head. It is from the Welt River region of the Congo, Africa. The length of the sound box is 287 mm.
Small Manillas
These are small manillas made of a copper alloy and dating from the 18th or 19th century. Manillas became used as forms of currency, especially in the Niger Delta area of West Africa.
