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Gold-weight

Akan

Artwork Details

Gold-weight
20th century
Akan
brass
1 9/16 in x 1 3/8 in x 1/2 in (4 cm x 3.5 cm x 1.2 cm)
Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis
1997/1.407

Tags

Description

Subject Matter:

Geometric gold-weight in the shape of a five-stepped pyramid with a triangular base. 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 a triangular base with four stepped triangles. 

Usage Rights:

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