Akan artist
Ghana
Chief's armlet
Gold leaf, wood, and fiber
Ghana
Chief's armlet
Gold leaf, wood, and fiber
Elements of Christianity and Islam merged with local beliefs, rituals, and legends in Akan culture. Even today, although the majority is Christian, many still believe in the spiritual power of objects.
For centuries, Muslim traders sold leather amulets containing texts and prayers from the Koran, the holy book of Islam, and magical formulae on paper. One of the most distinctive amulets is triangular in form and called "hawk's tail," both for its appearance and reference to the bird's fierce nature. Akan goldsmiths covered the leather with gold leaf for great chiefs. During festival occasions chiefs demonstrate their wealth and power by wearing many armlets adorned with amulets around their upper arms. These protect the chief and help him control crowds.
For centuries, Muslim traders sold leather amulets containing texts and prayers from the Koran, the holy book of Islam, and magical formulae on paper. One of the most distinctive amulets is triangular in form and called "hawk's tail," both for its appearance and reference to the bird's fierce nature. Akan goldsmiths covered the leather with gold leaf for great chiefs. During festival occasions chiefs demonstrate their wealth and power by wearing many armlets adorned with amulets around their upper arms. These protect the chief and help him control crowds.