Gold-weight
Akan
Description
Subject Matter:
A gold-weight in the shape of what may be a snake. The wavy line of this gold-weight could represent water, a snake, or even string. If interpreted as a snake, a related proverb states "[t]he cobra that blocks the path is going his own way, yet people run away when they see him", meaning once someone gets a bad reputation, nobody will trust them even if they intend no harm.
See: T. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 195-6.
T. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 207.
Physical Description:
Goldweight in the shape of alternating curves stacked on top of one another, possibly broken off at both ends.
Usage Rights:
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