Brooch

Item number K2.90 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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Description

Brooch made from a contemporary reproduction of an Akan style cast gold weight. The brooch is in the shape of a ceremonial sword, which has a pin attached to the back. While both the cross-guard and the pommel are rounded, the latter has a point at the tip end. From the base of the blade near the handle to the tip end that curves upward, there are the following: a concentric circle, two cut out circles, a cut out x-shape, a cut out large circle, and three cut out small circles. Three protrusions extend from the bottom base end while the curved tip is grooved at the centre.

Cultural Context

Reproduction of an Akan/Asante gold weight out of cast bronze.

Narrative

Purchased (along with K2.94, K2.95, K2.96 and K2.97) as a reproduction, from a Vancouver store that specialized in art reproductions. The label on the base of K2.96 says "Authentic copyrighted reproduction made from the original at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Ill." They were acquired by MOA curator Audrey Hawthorn, who valued the educational potential of items, even if they were reproductions. But as commercially produced 'copyrighted reproductions' the pieces also represent a contemporary coloniality, in that the individual authorship of an Asante artist has been replaced with an American museum as the proprietor of the design.

Item History

Made in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Owned by Museum Art before February 1969
Received from Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) and Museum Art (Seller) during February 1969