Jun 12, 2009
Nov 5, 2009

Gold Weight (abrammuo): Fish

Gold Weight (abrammuo): Fish

1800s

Copper alloy

Overall: 2.8 x 6.6 x 0.4 cm (1 1/8 x 2 5/8 x 3/16 in.)

Gift of William Ellery Greene 1961.399

Location

Description

The wealth and power of the Asante kingdom was derived primarily from its massive gold resources. Since at least 1600, small weights in brass and bronze were used to weigh gold dust and nuggets. The royal court had the most elaborate store of weights, while commoners often had about a dozen. Their imagery falls into two broad cateogries: geometric and representational. The latter often refers to proverbs, which used judiciously, marked a wise person.

See also
Collection: 
African Art
Department: 
African Art
Type of artwork: 
Implements
Medium: 
Copper alloy

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