Gold-weight
Akan
Description
Subject Matter:
Geometric gold-weight decorated with a raised central motif of a cursive sankofa bird symbol (cf. British Museum object number Af1922,1027.139) surrounded on two sides by a comb-like motif. This abstract design of the sankofa symbol, a bird looking backwards, is often associated with the proverb 'pick it up if it falls behind you', which means to learn from past experiences and not to be afraid to try to fix past mistakes (cf. Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014; MacLeod, The Asante, 1981, p. 128). This spiral design could also resemble the motif known as dwanimen or dwenini aben, the ram's horn, which is often regarded as a symbol of strength (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 196, 284; Phillips, African Goldweights, 2010, p. 28).
Physical Description:
Gold-weight in the shape of a rectangular base with a central spiral surmounting an arch bisected by a vertical line, surrounded by a set of eight raised bars on two sides.
Usage Rights:
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