Gold-weight
Akan
Description
Subject Matter:
Figurative gold-weight in the form of a man with hair or headgear in the shape of a ball. The mouth holds an animal above the goatee, figure has a short stick or knife under the left arm. Wearing a loincloth, the figure also has a jar in each hand. Around the 18th century figurative gold-weights began to appear, some depicting ritual practices such as preparing offerings, oath-taking, hunting, as well as everyday activities (cf. Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014). This gold-weight may be an example of a popular category, but exactly what is depicted is unclear.
Physical Description:
Gold-weight in the shape of a man with a large head, tilted slightly backwards, on a thick, heavy neck, and topped by an object in the shape of a ball; the face has protruding eyes and nose, and the mouth holds a snake-like animal above a small rectangular protrusion. The figure holds a short stick under the left arm and has two small round objects in the hands, as well as a rectangular protrusion around and below the waist.
Usage Rights:
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