Gold Weight

Ashanti, Ghana
19th century or earlier

Old European collection

Figurative gold weights such as this example represent proverbs and are created to remind the people of these stories.  This weight is a superb casting of a knelling male figure carrying tools and a sheath. There is great movement in the body of the figure which is important to note because most figurative gold weights are stiff in construction. The long neck is surmounted by a finely detailed face showing great emotion.  The patina shows true age with its varied coloring and worn highpoints.