The Asante are one of the more famous of the Akan speaking tribes. In Akan works of art, oral tradition and iconography are very closely connected. Verbal and visual symbolism tells stories or proverbs. On court ornaments and goldweights, imagery of royal power disperses messages that maintain balance and continuity within the society. There are many Akan proverbs relating to the crocodile. One such proverb details the struggle between a crocodile and a snake. Flustered, the snake was unable to attack the crocodile because of its rough hide. However, through persistence, the snake discovered the soft belly of the crocodile. Thus, through persistence and patience, every problem can be solved. Furthermore, the crocodile was considered a royal symbol among the Asante, adored for their ability to live in the water yet breath air on land. The crocodile’s ability to transcend two worlds was affiliated with the king’s ability to exist in both the spiritual and terrestrial worlds. This large, impressive sculpture is most likely a symbol of Asante royalty.