A fine 19th-century Akan gold-dust container, made from thin brass sheeting and beautifully decorated with embossed and raised designs to the outer surface of the body and lid.
The lid features two adjoining crocodiles, a motif known as Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu, literally referring to “Siamese” or adjoined crocodiles. The two crocodiles share a single stomach despite having separate heads and bodies, symbolising their shared destiny and the importance of unity and cooperation. The associated Akan proverb states that the crocodiles “have one stomach, yet they fight over food,” serving as a reminder of the dangers of internal conflict and self-interest within a community.
Ex Private Collection Ghent, Belgium
Estimated Period: 19th Century
Length: 6 cm
Width: 6 cm
NDF.DEO
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