The Akan of Ghana produced a range of containers from imported sheet brass. This example, rounded, and sitting on a pierced foot and with a domed lid, was known as a forowa, and was used as a cosmetic container to hold shea butter vegetable fat, which Akan women would rub into their skin. They were also used to store valuable items such as beads, medicinal powders, cowrie shells and gold dust. The sides are embossed with various motifs including a pair of traditional Akan sandals, a bird, and flower motifs. The high domed lid has borders of vertical banding, arches and is surmounted by a low ‘button’ finial. The form most probably is based on that of a tradition Ghanaian round hut with a domed roof. Provenance: Jean-Michel Huguenin Collection, Paris