Akunitan "Cloth of the Great" Men's wrapper
Datemid-20th century
Maker
Ghanaian
Label TextOnly a man of high position would dare to wear a cloth so full of messages of
greatness. Locked in a grid, a menagerie of creatures and symbols wait to share their wisdom. They speak in proverbs that would surround the leader when he appeared at public functions. A few translations of the sayings from the Twi language include:
The moon moves slowly, but it crosses the town.
Peacocks will not spare a cockroach that falls in their midst.
Do not call the forest that shelters you a jungle.
One should never rub bottoms with a porcupine.
Pick it up if it falls behind. [A bird called Sankofa that twists its head backwards.]
One needs unity when there is the same destiny. [Based on a double-headed crocodile.]
Object number2005.28
Published ReferencesMcClusky, Pamela, Repeat, Repeat, A Community of Collectors, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 2008, p. 134, illus. 112.Credit LineAfrican Art Purchase Fund, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions132 x 81 in. (335.3 x 205.7cm)
MediumWool cloth, rayon thread
Object number: 81.17.665
Object number: 81.17.685
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