Gold Weight Depicting Two Bundles

Bronze Gold Weight. 19th Century. Akan Culture, Ghana

This finely cast Akan gold weight depicts two interlocking bundles with twisted rope handles. The gold weight is a miniature marvel, skilfully cast from one mould. Bronze Akan gold weights were made by Akan goldsmiths from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century in a variety of styles, for the purpose of measuring gold dust for the Akan royalty.

Gold weights could also be worn as charms to cure ailments, gifted with dowries of gold dust or sent as pertinent messages. Proverbs depicted in the form of the weight could provide a piece of advice, recall a debt, serve as a warning or token of friendship.

Estimated Period: 19th Century (Or Before)

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 Reference

National Museums Scotland, Goldweights from Ghana