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Nov 3, 2009
Gold Weight (abrammuo): Geometric
Gold Weight (abrammuo): Geometric
1800s
Copper alloy
Gift of Georges D. Rodrigues 1969.265
Location
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Did you know?
Geometric weights like this are the earliest form of these small, functional objects.
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 weight 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.
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