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.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#118693

Slight wear to form with patina.