Gold-weight

Accession Number
1997/1.503

Title
Gold-weight

Artist(s)
Akan

Artist Nationality
Akan (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1900-1985

Medium & Support
brass

Dimensions
2 1/2 in x 3/8 in x 13/16 in (6.4 cm x 1 cm x 2 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. James and Vivian Curtis

Subject matter
Figurative gold-weight in the form of a cartridge belt (​ntoa in Twi) with a gunpowder pouch. These belts were worn diagonally across the body or around the waist and contained gunpowder, knives, and pouches for shot and gun flints (cf. McLeod, The Asante, 1981, p. 101). Although not used for military expansion since the 19th century, cartridge belts have become part of Akan rulers' regalia, often highly decorated with red shells or gold castings (cf. McLeod, The Asante, 1981, p. 101). These decorations and gunpowder pouches made from calabashes are an example of how cartridge belts, along with European firearms traded since the 17th century (cf. Sheales, African Goldweights, 2014), were integrated into military, political, and later ceremonial use by Akan-speaking peoples (cf. McLeod, The Asante, 1981, p. 101). A related proverb states: 'The cartridge belt of Akowua (a famous military figure) has never been known to lack bullets', meaning that someone who is resourceful or prepared will never be found wanting (cf. Garrard, Akan Weights and the Gold Trade, 1980, p. 209). 

Physical Description
Gold-weight in the shape of a curved rectangle with raised bands along its length. At one end is a ball attached to a conical handle and bound in the middle, while at the other end there are three short rods bound at each tip and a square-shaped protrusion. 

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Primary Object Type
goldweight

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
ammunition
cartridge belts
firearms
goldweights
measuring
miniature (size attribute)
weighing devices

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted