Soul-Washer's Badge

19th century; Ghana, Asante; Gold; diameter 8.6 cm (3 3/8 in.); Founders Society Purchase, New Endowment Fund and Friends of African Art Fund; 81.701

Ghana is part of an area that was a major source of gold for European and Islamic markets prior to the discovery of the metal in the Americas. The Asante and other rulers there maintained large courts of officials. One group of high-ranking attendants at court participated in ceremonies glorifying the king wore a special gold disk known as a "soul-washer's badge." This badge was taken from the king's bedroom by Lieutenant R.C. Annesley of the 79th Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, part of the British military expedition which captured the Asante capital of Kumasi on February 4, 1874.

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