The Sub-Saharan African weighing system for gold was of Islamic origin, ca. 15th century AD, and it spread south along ancient trade routes from the most commercial centers in Mali and the Niger River region. Simple, geometric forms in cast brass were the first to be used. Figurative goldweights began to be made by Akan smiths by the 16th or 17th century. The earliest types were simple effigies of birds, humans, and fish. By the 18th century, quite realistic weight motifs were numbering in the t ...click for details
Of the 'elongated type,' the bearded male sitting with his chin comfortably resting on his raised, right knee in a classic 'thinker' pose. Wearing a broad collar, multiple arm and leg bands, and neatly-formed coiffure ringed in a cap-like manner on the crown of his head. The figure casually holds the end of a serpentine waist sash in his left hand.
Classical Nok terracotta dates between 500 BC and AD 200.
It was first found in 1943 deep within a tin mine, near the present-day ...click for details
