Accession Number1997/1.406
TitleGold-weight
Artist(s)AkanArtist NationalityAkan (culture or style)Object Creation Date20th centuryMedium & SupportbrassDimensions 1 1/16 in x 13/16 in x 7/16 in (2.7 cm x 2 cm x 1.1 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. James and Vivian CurtisSubject matterGeometric gold-weight decorated with a raised central motif of a cursive
sankofa bird symbol (cf. British Museum object number Af1922,1027.139) surrounded on two sides by a comb-like motif. This abstract design of the
sankofa symbol, a bird looking backwards, is often associated with the proverb 'pick it up if it falls behind you', which means to learn from past experiences and not to be afraid to try to fix past mistakes (cf. Sheales,
African Goldweights, 2014; MacLeod,
The Asante, 1981, p. 128). This spiral design could also resemble the motif known as
dwanimen or
dwenini aben, the ram's horn, which is often regarded as a symbol of strength (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 196, 284; Phillips, African Goldweights, 2010, p. 28).
Physical DescriptionGold-weight in the shape of a rectangular base with a central spiral surmounting an arch bisected by a vertical line, surrounded by a set of eight raised bars on two sides.
Primary Object Classification Metalwork Primary Object TypegoldweightCollection AreaAfricanRightsIf 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
birds (motifs)
goldweights
measuring
miniature (size attribute)
weighing devices