The Art of African Metalwork
22 Feb - 25 Aug 2019
Grand Gallery, Level 1
Free
Discover how brass and copper once featured as mediums of exchange, status and power in Africa through highlights of the museum’s 19th and early 20th century collections from west and central Africa.
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Spoon of beaten brass sheet with shallow circular bowl and flat rectangular handle ornamented with repoussé work: West Africa, Ghana, Asante, late 19th to early 20th century
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Ceremonial axe with copper blade, wooden shaft carved in the form of a woman pounding grain and grip bound in copper ribbon: Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Katanga, late 19th century
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Cast brass goldweight representing a chief's asipim chair: West Africa, Ghana, Asante, late 19th century
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Brass box for holding gold-dust, rectangular with lid decorated with relief scrolls, produced by lost-wax casting: West Africa, Ghana, Asante, late 19th to early 20th century
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Heavy cast brass collar worn by the head wife of a chief: Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mongo, early 20th century
Getting here
Access
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
- There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.
- Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on most floors, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0.
- There is an induction loop in the Auditorium.
- Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted.
Find out more about our access information.
Header: Circular brass embossed tray featuring a female with raised hands, probably Mami Wata, surrounded by fish and lizard and cross patterned outer border: Nigeria, South-Eastern State, Old Calabar, Efik or Ibibio, early 20th century.
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Gold weights from Ghana
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Mami Wata brass tray
