Kuduo (container)
Artist: Akan people, Asante subgroup
Date: 18th-19th century
Dimensions:
H: 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm)
Medium: copper alloy, cast and raised, with incised decoration and traces of red pigment
Place of Origin: Ghana
Classification: Sculpture
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1994.23
Label Text:Akan kings and courtiers of Ghana possessed treasure caskets called kuduo for storing precious objects such as gold dust, beads, and pendants. Kuduo were modeled after metal vessels imported into the region from North Africa and the Near East. The decoration around the surface of this unusually large and elaborate example is partly inspired by the Arabic script and arabesques of Islamic designs. The combat motif on the lid—a solid cast of a leopard attacking a horned animal, probably a ferocious bush cow—symbolizes the owner’s strength and courage. As an Akan proverb says, “A hungry leopard tries to eat any animal.”
Not on view
In Collection(s)