The Ašanti spider ornament, which is composed of a gold, copper, and silver alloy, was acquired by the Dallas Museum of Art (USA) from a family in Texas in 2014. Measuring 10.2 x 7.3 cm, the artifact may have been attached to an Ašanti ceremonial sword at one point in its history. Historical analysis suggests the ornament likely originated in Ghana toward the close of the 19th century.
Its removal coincides with periods of conflict between the English and the Ašanti people as Great Britain sought to expand its control over the Gold Coast. A key documented event occurred in 1884 when the British governor of the Gold Coast, Sir Samuel Rowe, visited the Ašanti royal court in Kumasi. During this state visit, the ornament was presented to Rowe by Kwaku Dua II, symbolizing a friendship between the two parties.
According to Roslyn Walker, a curator at the Dallas Museum of Art who has researched the spider’s background, the piece holds significant cultural weight. The artifact provides insight into the complex trade and political interactions that occurred during the colonial period. The presence of gold alloy confirms its value and importance within Ašanti material culture.
The object serves as a tangible link to the history of the region, illustrating the confluence of indigenous royal traditions and external colonial influence.
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The Dallas Museum of Art acquired an Ašanti spider ornament, composed of a gold, copper, and silver alloy, from a family in Texas in 2014. Measuring 10.2 x 7.3 cm, the artifact is believed to have onc