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Gold-weight

Akan

Artwork Details

Gold-weight
1900-1985
Akan
brass
11/16 in x 11/16 in x 15/16 in (1.8 cm x 1.8 cm x 2.3 cm)
Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis
1997/1.380

Tags

Description

Subject Matter:

Geometric gold-weight in the shape of a five-stepped pyramid. The representation of a step pyramid, like in this example, is a common motif. This form is not the oldest among gold-weights, but from around the sixteenth century on it appears to have become common (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, pp.282-283; Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014).

Physical Description:

Gold-weight in the shape of five stepped squares. 

Usage Rights:

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