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The Asante Aya Kese, or great brass basin, a Ghanaian ceremonial bowl, which originally stood outside the royal mausoleum at Bantama, c. 1817-c. 1896 (brass)
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The Asante Aya Kese, or great brass basin, a Ghanaian ceremonial bowl, which originally stood outside the royal mausoleum at Bantama, c. 1817-c. 1896 (brass)
2973875 The Asante Aya Kese, or great brass basin, a Ghanaian ceremonial bowl, which originally stood outside the royal mausoleum at Bantama, c.1817-c.1896 (brass) by Ghanaian School, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Around the rim the sides flatten out forming a lip with baluster knops and on either side are a pair of crouching lions, facing each other with mouth open.
Inside of the bowl is chased all round with lines of grooves from the makers hammer. Brought from Kumasi, West Africa, during the 3rd Ashanti War, 1896 (c).
The bowl was first described by Bowditch in 1817 as being used to collect the blood of beheaded sacrificial victims by the Kings of Ashanti. Rattray (p113) says however that this is incorrect.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 25495080
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Basin Bowl Bowls Ghana Ghanaian Lions
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Asante Aya Kese, a magnificent brass basin that holds significant cultural and historical value in Ghana. Originally positioned outside the royal mausoleum at Bantama, this ceremonial bowl dates back to the 19th century, specifically between 1817 and 1896. The craftsmanship of the Ghanaian School is evident in every detail of this masterpiece. The rim features a unique design with flattened sides forming a lip adorned with baluster knops. On either side of the basin, one can observe two crouching lions facing each other with their mouths open, symbolizing strength and power. Inside the bowl, intricate lines of grooves created by the maker's hammer add depth and texture to its surface. It is believed that during its time in Kumasi, West Africa, this remarkable artifact was brought to London following the third Ashanti War in 1896. While it was once thought that this vessel collected blood from beheaded sacrificial victims by Ashanti Kings as described by Bowditch in 1817, Rattray later disproved this notion (p113). Regardless of its original purpose or symbolism, there is no denying that the Asante Aya Kese represents an important part of Ghana's rich heritage. Displayed at the National Army Museum in London today, this photograph allows viewers to appreciate not only its artistic beauty but also gain insight into African metalwork traditions and lion symbolism within Ghanaian culture.
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