Accession Number
1981/2.190

Title
Gold-weight

Artist(s)
Akan

Artist Nationality
Akan (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
19th century

Medium & Support
bronze

Dimensions
2 3/8 in x 1/2 in x 13/16 in (6 cm x 1.2 cm x 2 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Subject matter
Figurative gold-weight in the form of what may be an antelope, called adowa in Twi (cf. Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014). A related proverb states: 'Not all the forest hates the antelope', which can be used to console someone after an argument, by encouraging them to persevere (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 206). Another associated proverb states: 'When the antelope is unhappy, it is the hunter who is the cause’ (cf. British Museum object number Af1956,27.152). 

Physical Description
Gold-weight in an oblong shape with a head, eyes, and a tail. 

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Primary Object Type
goldweight

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
antelope
antelopes
goldweights
measuring
miniature (size attribute)
weighing devices