Commemorative Container (Abusua Kuruwa)

<p>From the 17th to the mid-20th century, the <em>abusua kuruwa</em> (literally, “family pot”) featured prominently in commemorative rituals for the nobility among the Asante and related peoples, including the Kwahu. This large, boldly embellished vessel takes the form of a storage container on which raised motifs—including snakes, a bird, and two male figures (one holding a rifle)—are applied. These had proverbial meanings or illustrated necessities, such as a chiefly entourage, that the deceased would require in the afterlife. A family pot was displayed during second burial celebrations and could be used on a shrine, as evidenced by this vessel’s crusty patina.</p>