Gold-weight

Asante, Ghana
19th Century or Earlier

The quality of this superb figurative gold-weight is a perfect example of how important the weighing of gold dust was in the Akan kingdom. The casting is of a highly detailed figure with bulging mesmerizing eyes that are worn down from use, holding a large drum. This example has great movement throughout the body especially in the legs which have a wonderful wave like quality. The patina is extraordinary, as most of the high points are heavily worn down from generations of use. Important to note is that the custom of weighing gold dust ended during the turn of the century; so authentic gold-weights such as these are all at the very least 19th century.

This gold-weight stands 2.75 inches in height.

SOLD / IN 5-01-09