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Gold-weight

Akan

Artwork Details

Gold-weight
20th century
Akan
brass
13/16 x 13/16 x 3/16 in. (2.1 x 2.2 x 0.6 cm); ; ;
Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis
1997/1.370

Description

Subject Matter:

Gold-weight in a triangular geometric shape. 
Geometric gold-weights often bear decorations and symbols similar to designs in other media created by Akan-speaking peoples, such as stamped cloth (adinkra). Similar patterns on different media show the relationship between form, ornamentation, and function. For example, adampan, the open-fronted verandas that were used to conduct business, link gold-weights and wall murals to a shared economic transactional context. 
See: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/online_research_catalogues/agw/african_gold-weights.aspx
Sheales, Fiona, African Goldweights, London, BMP, 2014

Physical Description:

Gold-weight in the shape of a triangle with three cylindrical-section pedestal feet. 

Usage Rights:

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