Accession Number
2016/1.253

Title
Mother and Child Figure

Artist(s)
Asante

Artist Nationality
Asante

Object Creation Date
late-19th to early-20th century

Medium & Support
brass on wood

Dimensions
4 ¼ in x 2 ½ in x 3 ¾ in (10.8 cm x 6.35 cm x 9.53 cm);5 ¼ in x 2 ¾ in x 4 ⅛ in (13.34 cm x 6.99 cm x 10.48 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Michael and Phyllis Courlander

Subject matter

Beginning in the 18th century, the Asante began to produce figural goldweights depicted everyday objects, animals, and humans. Figural statues were typically created using the lost-wax casting method. Though larger than traditional weights, this brass casting potentially served as a goldweight (mrammou) in the measuring of gold dust. Figurative goldweights are often associated with Akan proverbs. Though no longer used to weigh gold, the figures continue to be created. The representation of mother and child depicts the mother’s position of honor, as the Asante are a matrilineal society.

Physical Description
Seated figure holding two smaller figures with three more smaller figures in front, all made from a single piece of brass. 

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
maquette

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
gold (metal)
maternity
souls