Accession Number1997/1.427
TitleGold-weight
Artist(s)AkanArtist NationalityAkan (culture or style)Object Creation Date1900-1985Medium & SupportbrassDimensions 13/16 in x 1/2 in x 3/8 in (2 cm x 1.3 cm x 0.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. James and Vivian CurtisSubject matterGeometric gold-weight with a comb-like motif. This solid weight shows an example of the graphic motifs that are represented on Akan gold-weights as well as on many other objects used and produced by the Akan speaking peoples of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. The graphic signs shown on this example might amount to a veritable writing system, although the precise meanings of individual signs remain largely obscure (cf. Niangoran-Bouah, The Akan World of Gold Weights, Vol. 1, pp. 215-221).
Physical DescriptionGold-weight in the shape of a rectangular base with four raised bars attached to a single bar on one side.
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
goldweights
measuring
miniature (size attribute)
weighing devices