3008 – Wooden Stand (for Crystal Ball?)

Physical description:

A short, round stand made of light brown wood, lathe turned and then carved with somewhat leaf-like decoration. The top is bowl-like, which suggests that it may be a crystal ball stand. There is reddish staining inside the bowl. Found in a box with African objects, and the decoration looks possibly African.

Size:

Ball rest: 6.5cm, base: 10cm, height 7cm

Information:

A stand, possibly used for displaying and using a scrying crystal ball.

Found in a box of uncatalogued items with two labels in Williamson's hand: 'Witch-doctor. Mau-Mau. Sundry Items.' The other label reads: 'Witch-Doctor. Mau-Mau Relics'. Probably used in displays within the Museum.

Resource:

Object

Materials:

Wood

A stand, possibly used for displaying and using a scrying crystal ball.

3000 – Piece of Snake Skin

A section of snake skin, cream with fine grey markings, perhaps python. Possibly part of an African charm.

3001 -African Brass dish with Akan script

Shallow brass dish, slightly fluted sides, incised with a semi-circle of Akan script (unknown text). Deep red patina with silver wear. African. Probably used as a magical tool.

3002 – A short cotton Ghanaian cut-off shirt: King Coffe of the Ashanti’s Chief Sorcerer’s Robe

Dark green/brown Cotton garment with a deep neck line. Constructed of two panels, attached with ties on each seam. Inscribed on it are Akan script, hand and foot prints, and symbols including tigers, human figures kneeling, six pointed stars, ornate pinnacled buildings.