#akrafena

[cutecuttlefish]

The sword of the day is the akrafena.

The akrafena is an African sword from the Ashanti people of modern-day Ghana. It is a deeply symbolic weapon, and as such generally features numerous intricately made symbols on the hilt, blade, or sheath. Probably the most noteworthy feature of this weapon is the grip; the dual-globe design is quite distinctive, and not something found in any other sword I’ve seen. Like many other African swords, the akrafena also saw ritual use; swords used in this manner were often unsharpened.

[armthearmour]

Hello, I love your blog and especially love the cross-cultural scope of your posts. I wanted to ask you if you knew anything about weapons and armor—especially swords—from Ivory Coast. I used to live there as a little kid, in the center of the country near Bouake, and wanted to know more about my second home. Thanks, and cheers!

I'm not all that personally familiar with the arms of Western Africa, so I asked some of my friends over at the Historical African Martial Arts Association (HAMAA) what they knew.

I was told that swords popular among people in neighboring countries are what would have been used in the Ivory Coast, namely Akrafena swords popular among the Ashanti,

and a variety of swords used by the Mandinka people from Mali (of which the Ivory Coast has a significant population.)

If you are interested in learning more, I suggest you head over to the HAMAA Facebook page I linked above.

[panafrocore]

The Akrafena: An Essential Element of Ashanti Culture and Martial Arts

The Akrafena is no ordinary sword. It holds a place of great significance among the Ashanti people, both as a symbol of their heritage and as a pivotal instrument in their history. Originating as a weapon of warfare, the Akrafena has transcended its martial role to become an integral part of Ashanti heraldry and tradition, weaving itself into the cultural fabric of the community. One cannot…

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[polcalinawan]

INSTRUMETAL Festival 2015 Rizal

INSTRUMETAL Festival 2015 Rizal

* November 13, Instrumetal Fest Rizal, Kimps And Culs, Angono Rizal. P80. Early Birds: Free 1 Beer (5~7PM).

With the performances of: Dreign, Tigdas, Pizzacoi Pilipinas, Blood Over Matter, We Are Asians, Killderella, Behold, Private Noize, Strong Prayer, Abmarac, Akrafena, Deepthrow, Rest in Pieces.

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