Gold-weight
Akan
Description
Subject Matter:
This small representational gold-weight might represent two distinct natural forms. First, it could be a seed pod-- in line with the representations of plant life that are quite frequent in Akan gold-weights of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Secondly, it could be a calabash-- in this case, the natural form would refer to a particular cultural practice in the various Akan-speaking kingdoms, where, in the past, calabashes were used to store the gun and cannon powder used in war (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 102).
Physical Description:
Gold-weight in the shape of a small ball with a short, slightly curved, angular tail or handle attached to it.
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