This is a very rare Ashanti sword Gold Coast, West Africa) with provenance to the renowned New York Merton Simpson collection. Merton Simpson was a well known Afro-American artist who later established himself as an importer collector and dealer of African art.

This particular sword has been forged, and not cast like later swords, placing this as of very likely 19th century provenience, or earlier.

This is sword is large and heavy, and the figural iron crocodile on the hilt has been finely worked, as has the forged figural blade.

What is most impressive about this sword is that it has been forged from one piece of iron, unlike most Ashanti ceremonial swords.

Throughout littoral West Africa various animals were part of a totemic system of worship, and the crocodile symbolism could have many meanings. 

There is a small piece of iron at the broad end of the blade missing - likely damaged through age - fortunately it has not really impacted on the figural element or the presentability of the object and given the age, rarity and provenance on this sword it is easy to overlook. 

You're unlikely to find another.

Shipping from Australia to international locations - US$60.

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