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Gold-weight

Akan

Artwork Details

Gold-weight
19th century
Akan
bronze
2 3/8 in x 1/2 in x 13/16 in (6 cm x 1.2 cm x 2 cm)
Museum Purchase
1981/2.190

Tags

Description

Subject Matter:

Figurative gold-weight in the form of what may be an antelope, called adowa in Twi (cf. Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014). A related proverb states: 'Not all the forest hates the antelope', which can be used to console someone after an argument, by encouraging them to persevere (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 206). Another associated proverb states: 'When the antelope is unhappy, it is the hunter who is the cause’ (cf. British Museum object number Af1956,27.152). 

Physical Description:

Gold-weight in an oblong shape with a head, eyes, and a tail. 

Usage Rights:

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