19th century A.D. An akrafena ceremonial swordprising: a wooden hilt with sheet-gold surface, two drum-shaped lobes with projecting lugs flanking a facetted grip; iron blade with hooked tip, thickened back with undulating edge above, corrugated lower section, cutting edge to the inner face; three pairs of circular piercings. For a discussion of the symbolic role of the sword in Ashanti society, see Ampene, K. and Kwadwo Nyantakyi, N. Engaging Modernity: Asante in the Twenty-First Century, Michigan, 2016, Maize Books. 424 grams, 60 cm (23 5/8 in."). Nicolas Landau (1887-1979). Kugel Gallery, Paris, 2006. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is apanied by AIAD certificate no.11264-189567. [No Reserve]Condition Report: Fine condition.