Seperewa

The seperewa, also known as seprewa or sanku, is a Ghanaian (specifically Akan) harp-lute, similar to the Dagaare/Sisaala koriduo, the Mandé kora, the Gere duu, and Baoule aloko.

They are either played with the thumbs, or rarely with the forefingers or bow sanku, is attested to at least the 17th century, as the then newly established Ashanti Empire incorporated elements of its heavily Mande-influenced northern predecessor state Bonoman into its musical repertoire.

Various harp-lutes similar to the sanku were once exclusively played in northern Ghana (which culturally was much more heavily influenced by the Mali Empire and today is still inhabited by several Manden groups; the Ligbi, Bissa, Dyula and Wangara) eventually gave way to kologo and molo calabash-lute types instead.

King Osei Tutu, the founder of the Asante empire, was said to have loved the instrument so much that his successor Opoku Ware caused a replica of it to be made in his memory.

The instrument was wrapped in gold leaf, and placed among the paraphernalia of the Golden Stool, which Osei Tutu established as "the soul" of the Asante nation with the help of his counsellor, the great priest Okomfo Anokye.

Ashante Seperewa