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Soul washer's cap

CultureAkan peoples, Asante subgroup
Date19th century
MediumGold, wood, and leather
DimensionsOverall: 7 1/2 × 6 1/4 × 5 inches (19.05 × 15.88 × 12.7 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust through the George H. and Elizabeth O. Davis Fund
Object number2013.48.3
On View
On view
Gallery Location
  • L9
Collections
DescriptionSoul washers’ caps are made of animal skin, wood, and gold leaf. In use, they cover the back of the head, in the area of the occiput. The decorative mudfish symbolizes the longevity or indestructibility of the court while shells suggest abundance and wealth.Provenance

With Galerie Walu, Zürich, Switzerland, by 2013;

Purchased from Galerie Walu, through the generosity of Delores De Wilde Bina and Robert F. Bina, by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 2013.

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overall
early 20th century
2014.2
Soul washer's badge
19th century
2013.48.2
overall
early 20th century
2013.2.4
Shoulder Bag
ca. 1900
2015.26.26