Accession Number1998/1.123B
TitleVessel Lid
Artist(s)AkanArtist NationalityAkan (culture or style)Object Creation Date19th centuryMedium & SupportbronzeDimensions 10 5/8 in x 9 7/16 in x 7 1/2 in (27 cm x 24 cm x 19 cm)
Credit LineGift of Susan B. and John F. Ullrich
Subject matterKuduo, cast brass vessels created by Akan-speaking peoples of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, have been made in various forms ranging from simple open vessels to those with intricately decorated lids. These vessels were used in a variety of ways that connected them to their owner's
kra, often translated as 'soul' or 'spirit'. Often owned by elite individuals in the community,
kuduo were also used to hold important items like precious beads, gold nuggets, and gold-dust. Upon the death of an imporant person, their
kuduo was sometimes buried with them. Some vessels were also placed with blackened ancestral stools, where offerings of food and drink were made.
References Cited:
McLeod, Malcolm D. 1981.
The Asante. London: British Museum Publications Ltd.
Physical DescriptionA circular cast metal vessel lid with a figural scene on top. Two seated male figures face each other, while both hold staffs and one wears a type of headdress. Between the figures sits a snake and a bowl. The top of the lid is also decorated with an axe, a crocodile or turtle, and spiral designs.
Primary Object Classification Metalwork Primary Object TypevesselCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
ancestors
ceremonial vessels
funerary objects
shrines (structures)
social status
souls