Adinkra Stamp Item Number: 3561/8 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Adinkra stamp of the 'Akofena' (ceremonial sword) design, carved info a piece of calabash gourd. Parts b-c are two sticks from the handle (normally would be four). The gourd stamp (part a) has a deeply carved design of two crossed swords, with the blades curving across the top, the tips of the handles at the bottom corners. The back surface has four small holes for sticks.

History Of Use

Adinkra stamps are used for printing designs on cloth (e.g., K2.455). The stamps are dipped in adinkra aduru, an ink prepared by boiling chunks of iron slag and bark from the Bridelia ferruginea tree, locally called Badie, into a thick paste that is liquefied before use. The cloth is stamped at local workshops.

Narrative

Collected by the donor in Ghana, in 1971.

Cultural Context

textiles

Item History

  • Made in Ghana during 1971
  • Collected during 1971
  • Owned by Susan Stout before April 28, 2022
  • Received from Susan Stout (Donor) on April 28, 2022

What

Name
Adinkra Stamp
Identification Number
3561/8 a-c
Type of Item
stamp
Material
gourd fruit and wood
Part A
height 1.0 cm, width 5.8 cm, depth 5.0 cm
Part B
height 10.0 cm, width 0.2 cm, depth 0.1 cm

Who

Culture
Asante
Previous Owner
Susan Stout
Received from
Susan Stout (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Ghana

When

Creation Date
during 1971
Collection Date
during 1971
Ownership Date
before April 28, 2022
Acquisition Date
on April 28, 2022

Other

Condition
good
Accession Number
3561/0008 a-c