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A collection of Akan figurative brass goldweights browse these categories for related items... All Items: Hidden: Viewable: Pre 1900: item # 939162 Please refer to our stock # A6533 abc when inquiring.
michael cichon tribal arts P.O. Box 5919 Bradenton, FL 34281 941.224.0440 Guest Book $700.00 set |
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| 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 thousands, in use among all traders and merchants in gold. For the next three centuries these miniature, virtuoso sculptures played important roles in transactions for the raw gold nuggets and dust. By the very beginning of the 20th century, they fell out of use after Ghana abandoned the gold standard and stopped using gold as currency. Each of these examples was first modeled in wax, then surrounded by a wad of clay which was fired and made to receive the molten brass or copper. This process melted the original wax sculpture (thus the name 'lost wax casting') leaving behind a permanent metal version for use. Many of these goldweights are connected with proverbs or other sayings, recited by the users of the weights as they secured a deal. The Akan are renowned for speaking in an eloquent and metaphorical style, no doubt related to the use of these miniature, metal masterpieces which were personal collections of the original owner's experiences. Here we have a fine assortment of three distinctive types from the former 'Gold Coast Colony,' presently known as the country of Ghana. The human figure is that of a man holding a guinea fowl or domesticated chicken, placing or removing the bird from a nest or roost. His wide grin and jubilant expression conveys pride and joy in the bird which has produced some eggs. This example measures 1.75"H x 1 5/8"D. Intact and with a very fine, aged patina. The weight in the form of a feline, most likely a leopard, is whimsical, as well. The cat holds a cylindrical object which could indicate prey of some sort. The proverb associated with this image is : "A hungry leopard will attack the nearest prey." This zoomorphic weight measures 2.75"L x 1.75"H. It is mint and has a fine, aged patina. Finally, the perched bird is a classic example of avian imagery from the Akan lexicon of visual-verbal connections. It stands 1.75"H. It is in perfect condition with lovely, aged patina. All are provenance: Ursula Liebert collection, Detroit MI, ca. 1960's. | |||||||||||||||
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