Accession Number
1997/1.444

Title
Gold-weight

Artist(s)
Akan

Artist Nationality
Akan (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
brass

Dimensions
11/16 in x 3/16 in (1.8 cm x 0.5 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis

Subject matter
Gold-weight, possibly in the shape of a European-style padlock (krado) (cf. British Museum object number Af.9165). Weights of this type date back to the 16th century and the same motifs are also used on kuduo, brass vessels used for storing precious items, as well as on bracelets, necklaces, knee-bands and anklets. The use of these motifs on different objects associated with the secure storage of wealth indicates a symbolic desire for physical and spiritual protection (cf. Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014). Repetition of these motifs could also have been used as a reminder of the significance of wealth and security (cf. Phillips, African Goldweights, 2010, pp. 90-91).

Physical Description
Gold-weight in the shape of a circular disc with four incised concentric circles. In the center is an opening in the shape of a small circle attached to an arch, which contains a small cylindrical post. 

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Primary Object Type
goldweight

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
goldweights
locks (securing devices)
measuring
miniature (size attribute)
weighing devices