A large, (12.5 cm in length) finely cast bronze equestrian figurative gold weight. Depicting a warrior chief sitting crouched in a oval shaped basket that balances on the horses back, title staff in one hand and rains in the other.
Behind him sits a soldier holding a musket in both hands which leans back on his shoulder. Small kegs, likely gun powder containers, are attached to both figures as well as to other parts of the horse. The figure has a beautiful smooth worn surface patina in parts where it has been held and handled. The detail of the casting is very fine as seen in the photos.
The Akan were know to cast large equestrian figurative gold weights of this size and style, also note with the horses hoofs turned outwards - this was a traditional practise to protect against tsetse fly.
For like-sizer examples refer to 'African Miniatures - The Gold Weights of the Ashanti', Published 1967, pages 10 and 11.
Earlier examples dating to the 18th Century showed less detail, as time passed the depictions tended to be of greater concentration of the lavishness of the harness and the equipment attached, as in this example.
Estimated Period: 2nd Half 19th Century
Ex Private Collection UK
Length: 12.5 cm
(Click on Images to Enlarge)
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