Artefact: Adala anklets These brass anklets are worn in West Africa by young women who are ready to marry.

Artefact: Asante boxes for gold dust Gold was central to the Asante economy of West Africa and commercial transactions used gold or gold dust.

Artefact: Asante ceremonial sword This elaborate and finely crafted ceremonial weapon dates from the early 19th century.

Artefact: Asante cosmetic pot This cosmetic pot is from the Asante people of Ghana.

Artefact: Asante stool According to legend the Asante empire of Akan-speaking people on the Gold Coast, West Africa, was founded in the 17th century when a golden stool descended from heaven into the lap of the first king, Osei Tutu.

Artefact: Asante sword and sheath The red shells used to decorate this Asante sheath suggest it was owned by a person of high rank.

Artefact: Asante weights for gold dust Gold was central to the Asante economy and commercial transactions used gold and gold dust.

Artefact: Baule comb A wooden comb from the Baule ethnic group on the Ivory Coast of Africa.

Artefact: Bead bracelets African people cherished beads and appreciated their beauty over the centuries.

Artefact: Beads Glass beads were a regular cargo to Africa.