West Africa, Ghana, Ashanti (Asante) Empire, ca. 17th to 19th century CE. A mold-made bronze weight used for measuring gold, in an intricate design of a neck pillow with cross-struts for support. Size: 0.65" L x 1.4" W x 0.7" H (1.7 cm x 3.6 cm x 1.8 cm)

Gold was a focus of Ashanti art and their belief system. The Akan system of weights began in the 14th century, with the introduction of metal working techniques to the area from the Western Sudan (where the trans-Saharan gold trade moved through). For over two centuries, these weights were in geometric designs, but around the year 1600 CE, they began to form them into designs like animals and everyday objects, like this example here. The ability to manufacture an accurate weight was a skill, but also crucial to the function of pieces like these.

Provenance: Ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL, acquired prior to 1970.

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