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Commemorative Container (Abusua Kuruwa)

A work made of terracotta and sacrificial material.

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  • A work made of terracotta and sacrificial material.

Date:

Late 19th/early 20th century

Artist:

Kwahu
Nkawkaw, Ghana
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

From the 17th to the mid-20th century, the abusua kuruwa (literally, “family pot”) featured prominently in commemorative rituals for the nobility among the Asante and related peoples, including the Kwahu. This large, boldly embellished vessel takes the form of a storage container on which raised motifs—including snakes, a bird, and two male figures (one holding a rifle)—are applied. These had proverbial meanings or illustrated necessities, such as a chiefly entourage, that the deceased would require in the afterlife. A family pot was displayed during second burial celebrations and could be used on a shrine, as evidenced by this vessel’s crusty patina.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Kwahu

Title

Commemorative Container (Abusua Kuruwa)

Place

Ghana (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1875–1925

Medium

Terracotta and sacrificial material

Dimensions

36.8 × 52.1 cm (14 1/2 × 20 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Keith Achepohl

Reference Number

2005.237

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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