Golden Spider: Lost Asante Royal Symbol & Its Tumultuous History

The story of the Asante spider, a small but exquisitely crafted gold ornament from the Asante Empire of Ghana, is one of royal power, colonial conflict, and an improbable journey to Texas – a journey that ultimately may have saved a man’s life. This unique piece, likely once adorning a ceremonial sword, offers a glimpse into a rich cultural history and the often-turbulent exchange between Africa and the West.

The Asante Empire, flourishing between 1701 and 1901 in what is now Ghana, was renowned for its goldwork. Ceremonial swords were central to Asante rulers’ displays of authority, and these were frequently embellished with cast gold ornaments, often depicting animals. The Dallas Museum of Art, which acquired the spider in 2014, notes that it was crafted from a gold-copper-silver alloy and measures just 4 by 2.9 inches. The spider’s significance wasn’t merely decorative; it was a symbol of wisdom, reserved for the Asante king himself, according to research by curator Roslyn Walker. Walker’s operate details the history of the spider and its place within Asante royal regalia.

A Gift and a Journey

The spider’s documented history begins in 1884, when Sir Samuel Rowe, the British governor of the Gold Coast, received it as a gift from Bosommuru, the chief spokesman of the Asante royal court. The offering came from Kwaku Dua II, one of the last kings of the Asante Empire, as a gesture of friendship. However, British regulations prohibited officials from accepting gifts, so Rowe returned the spider to Kumasi, the Asante capital, with an envoy named Robert Low Brandon-Kirby.

It’s the subsequent events that seize a surprising turn. Brandon-Kirby somehow acquired ownership of the spider and traveled to the United States, partnering with a man named James Cree to purchase land in the Southwest. Their arrival wasn’t welcomed. According to a family story recounted by Charles Cree, Brandon-Kirby’s perceived arrogance alienated the local population. Facing a potential lynching, Brandon-Kirby reportedly sold the land at a bargain price and fled, allegedly smuggled out of the country in a pickle barrel – with the Asante spider in tow.

From Royal Symbol to Bartering Chip

The spider remained within the Cree family for generations, a curious heirloom with a remarkable backstory. It eventually came to the attention of the Dallas Museum of Art, which purchased it in 2014. But the story doesn’t end there. The ornament’s journey highlights the complex history of objects taken from Africa during the colonial era. Many royal gold objects were removed from Ghana during the Anglo-Ashanti wars as Britain expanded its control over the Gold Coast. The British Museum holds a collection of Asante gold regalia, some of which are subject to ongoing repatriation debates.

The spider’s path to the Dallas Museum of Art wasn’t simply a matter of acquisition. It was a story of survival, both for the object itself and, unexpectedly, for a man in Texas. The Cree family recounted that the spider was used as collateral, a form of barter, to secure safety during a dangerous time. The precise details of this exchange remain somewhat unclear, but the spider’s value extended beyond its artistic and historical significance – it became a lifeline.

The Asante Empire and its Legacy

Understanding the significance of the Asante spider requires a broader understanding of the Asante Empire. Centered in present-day Ghana, the empire emerged in the 17th century and became a dominant force in West Africa. The Asante were skilled traders and warriors, controlling lucrative gold trade routes. Their political and social organization was highly developed, with a sophisticated legal system and a powerful military. The Asante Empire’s history is detailed on Wikipedia, outlining its rise, its conflicts with the British, and its eventual incorporation into the British Crown Colony in 1901.

The empire’s wealth was largely based on gold, and gold ornaments like the spider were potent symbols of royal authority. These objects weren’t merely decorative; they were imbued with spiritual and political meaning. The spider, specifically, represented wisdom and was reserved for the king, underscoring the Asante belief in the connection between leadership and knowledge.

A Unique Artifact

According to Roslyn Walker, the Asante spider ornament is unique. “No other cast gold spiders have surfaced in [Asante] collections to date,” she notes, highlighting the rarity and importance of this particular piece. Its survival through centuries of conflict and displacement makes it a remarkable testament to the artistry and resilience of the Asante people. The Dallas Museum of Art’s acquisition ensures that this piece of history will be preserved and studied for generations to come, offering valuable insights into the culture and history of the Asante Empire.

The story of the Asante spider is a compelling reminder that even seemingly small objects can hold within them vast histories – histories of power, conflict, and the enduring human spirit. It’s a story that connects continents and cultures, and one that continues to resonate today.