An Asante Linguist Staff Finial, "okyeame poma" Upper part of a speaker's baton, "okyeame poma" Asante, Ghana Mit Sockel / with base Wood, covered with gold foil. H 31 cm. Provenance: - Heinz G. Kolerski (1936-2012), Fellbach, Germany. - Auction house Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 11.11.2017, lot 154. - Swiss private collection, Schwyz. Described by Zemanek-Münster (Würzburg, 11.11.2017, lot 154) as follows: "Wood, covered in gold leaf, two separately carved figures, fixed to a hemispherical base with short rod-shaped projection and nodus, decorated with fluting, slightly dam., gold overlay rubbed in places, base. The speakers, known as "okyeame", carry a staff "poma" as a sign of their office. The figurative representations on the staffs visualize proverbs, historical events or political positions that the ruler wishes to express. The speakers advise the king on legal matters, make speeches for him and sometimes act as ambassadors." ----------------------------------------------------- "A spokesman makes the chief's words sweet." (Asante proverb). The spokespersons and advisors of the regents, known as "okyeame", carry a dignity staff ("poma") carved from wood as a sign of office. This insignia usually consists of several parts that are put together and covered with gold leaf or sheet gold. At its upper end, it is crowned by figurative representations of proverbs. The use of these official symbols dates back to the 17th century. Inspired by the sticks with pommels carried by European merchants, the custom developed that messengers and envoys of the Asante king carried such sticks as a sign of their authority. Further reading: Ross, Doran and Eisner, Georg (2008). The gold of the Akan. Museum Liaunig. Neuhaus: Museum Administration Ltd. CHF 1 000 / 2 000 Weight in grams: 707 Condition: Gold foil impaired or missing in places (see photos). -------------------------------- The condition (possible wear, signs of use, cracks, possible other impairments and signs of age, etc.) of this lot can be seen in the photos we have uploaded for your documentation. If you have any questions about this item, please do not hesitate to contact Hammer Auctions ([email protected]). The information regarding the condition of the items provided for the convenience of interested parties is an opinion only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Hammer Auctions accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. In the rare event that the item does not match the description in the catalog, Hammer Auctions is here to help. Buyers may return the lot for a full refund provided they notify Hammer Auctions within 5 days of receiving the lot.