ASHANTI, Ghana. Wood, beautiful natural patina. An awelé game board with an elephant "osono" caryatid. The elephant symbolises royal power and authority, so only a person of royal rank can play on this awale. 1st half of the 20th century Height: 20 cm. Length: 57.5 cm. Width: 18 cm. Provenance: Collection of Patrice CHRISTY, an acknowledged specialist in wildlife conservation, particularly in Africa. He has co-authored several works on biodiversity, and his work has made a major contribution to understanding and preserving bird species in Africa, particularly in Gabon and Sâo-Tomé et Principe. All his objects were collected in the 1970s.