Akrafena
| Akrafena | |
|---|---|
20th century akrafena. Gold-ring pommel. More elaborate Twi swords have adinkra symbols in the ring and on the blade. | |
| Type | Sword / fighting knife / machete |
| Place of origin | Twi |
| Production history | |
| Produced | Ashanti City-State (1670–1902) to present |
| Specifications | |
| Blade length | Approx. 70–73 centimetres (28–29 in) |
An akrafena (Twi: "sword") is an Akan sword, originally meant for warfare but also forming part of Akan heraldry. The foremost example of an akrafena is the Mponponsuo (meaning "responsibility"), which belonged to Opoku Ware II. It has survived to the present day because it is still occasionally used in ceremonies, such as the Akwasidae Festival.
The expert use of akrafena is also a martial art, utilising the blade in conjunction with knives, improvised weapons, street-fighting, hand-to-hand combat, joint locks, grappling and weapon disarming techniques, as well as using the martial art of akrafena unarmed. The akrafena martial art is the national sport of the Ashanti Region.