The Journey of Asante Figures: A Story of Change and Meaning
Six Asante shrine figures, known as abosom and asuman, have a remarkable story to tell. Their journey is one of transformation, traversing continents and accumulating layers of meaning along the way.
A Journey Through Many Hands
These figures originated in what was then the Gold Coast, now Ghana. Their journey began in the hands of the Asante people, where they held spiritual significance. Over time, they passed through the hands of:
- Spiritual entrepreneurs
- Colonial police
- Art dealers
- Missionaries
- Museum curators
Shifting Significance
As the figures moved from one context to another, their significance evolved. Initially, they were spiritual assets for the Asante people. Later, they were labeled as:
- Fetishes
- Tribal art
- Ethnographic specimens
Each new label brought with it a new set of values and understandings. The figures were not merely passive objects; they were active participants in these changes, accumulating new layers of meaning with each transition.
The Role of Catholic Missionaries
In the 1960s, Catholic missionaries played a significant role in promoting these figures as "African art". This had a double-edged effect:
- Positive: Brought attention to African art and culture.
- Negative: Sometimes reinforced colonial ways of thinking.
Cumulative Conversions
The concept of "cumulative conversions" helps explain how these figures gained and lost different meanings over time. Think of it like the layers of an onion:
- Each new context peels back or adds a new layer of significance.
- This process is ongoing, with the figures' roles and meanings continuing to evolve.
The Big Question
Today, a significant question arises: How should we treat these figures?
- Should they be seen as museum objects?
- Or as active channels for spirit forces?
This tension has important implications, especially when considering their potential roles in contemporary Ghanaian society and the diaspora.