Gold-weight
Akan
Description
Subject Matter:
Figurative gold-weight in the form of a fish, curved so that the head and the tail face the same direction. This gold-weight may represent a stylized saw-fish (cf. Phillips, African Goldweights, 2010. p. 156). A related proverb states: 'If the fish comes out of the water to say that the crocodile is ill, one should not doubt it', meaning that people will not doubt what a close friend says about you (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, p. 207).
Physical Description:
Gold-weight in the shape of an upside-down 'U', with a central raised line surrounded by spiraling circles on both sides. At one end there are two grooved, rounded rectangles in a 'V' shape and at the other end is a long neck with horizontal incisions leading to a pointed head with two raised circles and a triangular protrusion.
Usage Rights:
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