Ashanti Forowa or Gold Dust Container

Every panel has something to say. Start with the animal.

This forowa, or gold dust container, was made by the Ashanti of Ghana in the 20th century and is richly decorated in repoussé. Akan forowa, worked from sheet brass, held gold dust, shea butter and other valued materials. A tall conical lid rises in stepped tiers ringed with bosses, scallops and petals. The cylindrical body is divided into vertical panels. One shows an animal beneath a curling, dotted form, flanked by columns of raised dots and geometric devices. Below, chain-like bands circle the base. Soft golden brass, green at the seams.

Five inches tall. Study it with a lamp.