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Gold-weight

Akan

Artwork Details

Gold-weight
1900-1985
Akan
brass
3/4 x x 5/16 in. (2.0 x 1.3 x 0.9 cm); ; ;
Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis
1997/1.427

Description

Subject Matter:

Geometric gold-weight with a comb-like motif. This solid weight shows an example of the graphic motifs that are represented on Akan gold-weights as well as on many other objects used and produced by the Akan speaking peoples of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. The graphic signs shown on this example might amount to a veritable writing system, although the precise meanings of individual signs remain largely obscure (cf. Niangoran-Bouah, The Akan World of Gold Weights, Vol. 1, pp. 215-221).

Physical Description:

Gold-weight in the shape of a rectangular base with four raised bars attached to a single bar on one side. 

Usage Rights:

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