Resonance:
by Isaac Ako Sowa
“Resonance” marked the first solo exhibition by Isaac Ako Sowa, an artist whose works draw deeply on cultural and historical narratives. The exhibition presented a collection inspired by the powerful and symbolic lecture delivered by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the Ashanti Kingdom, on the 19th of July, 2024 at the British Museum. This address held profound historical significance, as it touched upon the legacy of Ashanti artefacts housed at the British Museum—objects that are not merely relics but embodiments of the Ashanti Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and sovereignty.
For centuries, these artefacts, many of which were taken during periods of conflict and colonial expansion, have been symbols of the resilience and enduring legacy of the Ashanti people. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s speech served as a pivotal moment in the dialogue surrounding the repatriation and custodial care of these treasures. His call for a shared understanding of their value and origins highlighted the role of these artefacts as bridges between the past and the present, as well as between cultures.
Sowa’s work in “Resonance” honoured this message and celebrated the preservation of these artefacts at the British Museum. Through the exhibition, audiences were invited to reflect on the legacy of the Ashanti Kingdom and the ongoing importance of preserving its stories and symbols for future generations.
The artworks in the exhibition depicted seven artefacts which are part of the British Museum’s Asante Gold Regalia. The Museum numbers for the artefacts are Af1934,-.1, Af1900,0427.1, Af1896,0512.45, Af1891,0114.1, Af1818,1114.6, Af,Ash.1 and Af1973,07.1-2
Learn More about the British Museum’s Asante Gold Regalia.
Explore the history of the Asante Kingdom.
