Gold leaf-covered sculptures surmounting staffs such as this one embody proverbs that communicate ideas about wisdom. Counselors to Akan kings and chiefs carry resplendent gold staffs on public occasions to send silent messages to their audiences. The imagery of this finial sculpture relates to proverbs associated with good leadership. A focused facial expression animates the figure, while a gold leaf-covered wisdom knot ornaments the three-part handle. The artist, Osei Bonsu, was widely known for carvings like this one and served three Asante kings in addition to providing regalia for many other Akan chiefs across much of southern Ghana during an active career spanning nearly sixty years.