Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Ashanti Gold Weight |
Object ID |
S512U |
Collection |
AFRICAN |
Object Name |
Weight, Balance |
Material |
Metal |
Dimensions |
H-9.4 W-4.4 L-7 cm |
Description |
Female figure sitting on a stool with her right hand resting on a mortar, while a standing male faces her holding an elongated pestle in the mortar. In the ancient days of African society gold was almost always in dust form. It was one of the common currencies in places such as West Africa. As a result, scales and weights were necessary to determine the value. The weights are symbolic of proverbs and cultural stories. Weights were hand made by gold smiths. There are many various objects that these weights were fashioned into. In Akan society, if you had acquired the whole collection of these weights you would have been well respected. http://uniqueafricanarts.com/blog/?tag=african-gold-weights |
Credit line |
Courtesy: Institute of Jamaica |
Legal Status |
This image can be used for educational purposes without restrictions. A higher quality image may attract fees. |
Provenance |
Africa |
Web Rights |
In Copyrights |