Gold-weight
Akan
Description
Subject Matter:
Figurative gold-weight in the shape of a wisdom knot, possibly an amulet (safi/sebe) known as nyan sapo in Twi, the language spoken by Akan peoples in Ghana (cf. British Museum object number Af1900,0513.91). This kind of knot, called a reef knot, traditionally represents wisdom and are examples of artistic skill as they are tied in wax and then cast in brass (cf. Phillips, African Goldweights, 2010, p. 154). A proverb commonly associated with this gold-weight states: "If you're weaving and the thread gets tangled, you use both hands to untie it", meaning that even a wise man needs another's help to solve a problem (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 210).
Physical Description:
Gold-weight in the shape of two pieces of rope bound at both ends with a knot in the middle.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.