Accession Number1997/1.458
TitleGold-weight
Artist(s)AkanArtist NationalityAkan (culture or style)Object Creation Date20th centuryMedium & SupportbrassDimensions 1 9/16 in x 1 5/16 in x 3/8 in (4 cm x 3.4 cm x 0.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. James and Vivian CurtisSubject matterFigurative gold-weight in the form of what may be a double-bladed sword, called
afenatene in Twi, with part of the handle missing (cf. British Museum object number Af1906,0701.62). Called the sword of kingship or the long sword, this kind of sword used to be displayed near the chief when sitting in state within the palace (Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014; MacLeod, The Asante, 1981, pp. 91-92).
Physical DescriptionGold-weight in the shape of two curved blades facing in opposite directions attached to a ball.
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
ceremonial swords
goldweights
measuring
miniature (size attribute)
weapons
weighing devices