Ashanti Forowa or Gold Dust Container

Gold dust was once a central measure of wealth among the Akan. It needed a proper place to live.

That place was the forowa, a lidded brass container. This Ashanti example, from Ghana, was made in the 20th century, and vessels of this shape also held shea butter. Four and a half inches tall, it has a smoothly domed lid with stepped rings and a small rounded top, fitted over a cylindrical body that steps in to a narrower foot. Fine engraved bands of dots and rope-like lines run round the body, quiet rather than ornate.

Even golden-brown brass, gentle wear, small dents at the rims.

Lift the lid. Imagine a very small fortune.