Fan, D88.223

Somewhat rounded diamond shaped fan of woven plant (grass?) fibre. Colour is predominantly natural light yellow brown, with interlaced strips of darker (dyed?) fibre. (Darker might have originally been a black, brown, or possibly purple colour.) Handle is currently a wrapping of a plaited plant fibre cord. This cord is of somewhat inconsistent design and colour to rest of fan. Possibly this cord is a repair to the original handle. Fans of this type could be used by anyone (not status related). General appearance is of a skilfully constructed fan, quite possibly having received some use, faded in colour, but in relatively good condition.

Akan(?). Original documentation in cells B-E say Accra, Ghana which would suggest Akan. Though fans of this general type are common throughout West Africa these types are ALSO fairly typical of Pacific Island fans. This particular fan appears to be nearly identical to D36.536 which is identified as a fan from Fiji - "a gift of the family of Alexander Thomson". HOWEVER, unclear as to the term "Nigg Nuke" or "Nigg Tuke"?) —Joel A Vanderburg

Speculation that fan was used and original handle became worn. Fans of this general style (shape, size, material) are common throughout much of West Africa. BUT please see below 'NOTE'. —Joel A Vanderburg

Akan(?). Original documentation in cells B-E say Accra, Ghana which would suggest Akan. Though fans of this general type are common throughout West Africa these types are ALSO fairly typical of Pacific Island fans. This particular fan appears to be nearly identical to D36.536 which is identified as a fan from Fiji - "a gift of the family of Alexander Thomson". HOWEVER, unclear as to the term "Nigg Nuke" or "Nigg Tuke"?) —Joel A Vanderburg

South Central Ghana (near Accra)

Plant fibre (grasses?)

Hand held 'cooling' fan.

Somewhat rounded diamond shaped fan of woven plant (grass?) fibre. Colour is predominantly natural light yellow brown, with interlaced strips of darker (dyed?) fibre. (Darker might have originally been a black, brown, or possibly purple colour.) Handle is currently a wrapping of a plaited plant fibre cord. This cord is of somewhat inconsistent design and colour to rest of fan. Possibly this cord is a repair to the original handle. Speculation that fan was used and original handle became worn. Fans of this general style (shape, size, material) are common throughout much of West Africa. BUT please see below 'NOTE'. Fans of this type could be used by anyone (not status related). General appearance is of a skillfully constructed fan, quite possibly having received some use, faded in colour, but in relatively good condition. (NOTE: fan D36.536 of nearly identical shape, construction, material, design, and colour is identified as from Fiji (PACIFIC ISLAND) - a "Gift of the family of Alexander Thomson".

Early 1950s? Would be consistent with stated date of collection.

Height from top to base of handle = approx. 350mm. Width from side to side = approx. 305mm. Length of handle (from base of main fan body to base of handle) = approx. 100mm.

Collected from coastal fringe near Accra Ghana