Ashanti Forowa or Gold Dust Container

Akan homes kept their gold dust and shea butter in brass, with a lid.

This forowa was made by the Ashanti of Ghana in the 20th century. Five inches tall, it has a domed lid with stepped rings and a small knob, set over a cylindrical body with a projecting ledge and a plain cylindrical foot. Delicate engraved bands of hatching and stippling encircle the body.

The brass is warm and golden, with darker areas of age, small spots of green, and a slightly uneven lower edge from long use.

Plain on purpose. Sure of itself on purpose.