Pair of Akan Ashanti figural gold weights from Ghana, cast in brass using the lost-wax technique, depicting a basket bearer and a machete bearer standing on integral bases, from the Egon Guenther Collection by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.

FOR SALE – Pair of Akan (Ashanti) Figural Gold Weights, Ghana – Lost-Wax Cast Brass Basket Bearer & Machete Bearer

€395.00
€395.00
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Pair of Akan Ashanti figural gold weights from Ghana, cast in brass using the lost-wax technique, depicting a basket bearer and a machete bearer standing on integral bases, from the Egon Guenther Collection by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
  • Pair of Akan Ashanti figural gold weights from Ghana, cast in brass using the lost-wax technique, depicting a basket bearer and a machete bearer standing on integral bases, from the Egon Guenther Collection by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
  • Side profile view of two Akan Ashanti figural gold weights cast in brass using the lost-wax process, showing a basket bearer balancing a load on the head and a machete bearer carrying a broad blade over the shoulder, illustrating the sculptural modelling and profile details of these Ghanaian gold trade weights from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Rear view of two Akan Ashanti cast brass gold weights from Ghana, depicting a basket bearer and a machete bearer. The reverse perspective highlights the lost-wax casting, figure modelling, and square bases. Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
  • Front view of an Akan lost-wax cast brass gold weight depicting a standing basket bearer carrying a multi-pronged basket on the head while supporting it with one raised arm, Ghana, from the Egon Guenther Collection by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
  • Top view of an Akan cast brass gold weight depicting a basket bearer carrying an openwork basket on the head, showing the lost-wax casting, head load construction, and square base, Ghana, attributed to the 19th century, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Akan lost-wax cast brass figural gold weight depicting a seated man carrying a machete across his shoulders while smoking a long pipe, Ghana, probably 19th century, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Rear angled view of an Akan lost-wax cast brass gold weight depicting a standing figure carrying a broad machete over one shoulder and a cylindrical load beneath the opposite arm, showing the sculptural modelling of the back, shoulders and legs. Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
  • Pair of Akan Ashanti figural gold weights from Ghana, cast in brass using the lost-wax technique, depicting a basket bearer and a machete bearer standing on integral bases, from the Egon Guenther Collection by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
  • Side profile view of two Akan Ashanti figural gold weights cast in brass using the lost-wax process, showing a basket bearer balancing a load on the head and a machete bearer carrying a broad blade over the shoulder, illustrating the sculptural modelling and profile details of these Ghanaian gold trade weights from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Rear view of two Akan Ashanti cast brass gold weights from Ghana, depicting a basket bearer and a machete bearer. The reverse perspective highlights the lost-wax casting, figure modelling, and square bases. Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
  • Front view of an Akan lost-wax cast brass gold weight depicting a standing basket bearer carrying a multi-pronged basket on the head while supporting it with one raised arm, Ghana, from the Egon Guenther Collection by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
  • Top view of an Akan cast brass gold weight depicting a basket bearer carrying an openwork basket on the head, showing the lost-wax casting, head load construction, and square base, Ghana, attributed to the 19th century, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Akan lost-wax cast brass figural gold weight depicting a seated man carrying a machete across his shoulders while smoking a long pipe, Ghana, probably 19th century, from the Egon Guenther Collection.
  • Rear angled view of an Akan lost-wax cast brass gold weight depicting a standing figure carrying a broad machete over one shoulder and a cylindrical load beneath the opposite arm, showing the sculptural modelling of the back, shoulders and legs. Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection, by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection.
FOR SALE – Pair of Akan (Ashanti) Figural Gold Weights, Ghana – Lost-Wax Cast Brass Basket Bearer & Machete Bearer

FOR SALE – Pair of Akan (Ashanti) Figural Gold Weights, Ghana – Lost-Wax Cast Brass Basket Bearer & Machete Bearer

€395.00
€395.00
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

This matched pair of Akan (Ashanti) figural gold weights from Ghana depicts two expressive everyday subjects: a basket bearer balancing a head-borne basket and a man carrying a machete while smoking a pipe. Cast in brass using the traditional lost-wax process, these miniature sculptures formed part of the sophisticated Akan gold dust weighing system and reflect the narrative imagery for which Akan gold weights are internationally recognised.

Each figure was individually modelled and cast, displaying the subtle asymmetry and crisp surface detail characteristic of authentic lost-wax production. The naturally developed patina and age-related wear are consistent with historic use and add to their collector appeal. Fine figural gold weights of this quality remain highly sought after by collectors of African art, ethnographic material and historic currency systems.

Circa:
19th–20th century.

Provenance:
Egon Guenther Collection; by family descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection, Pijnacker, The Netherlands.

Measurements:

EG16 – Basket Bearer

  • Height: 3.84 cm
  • Diameter: 2.0 cm
  • Weight: 9 g

EG17 – Machete Bearer

  • 3.3 × 2.3 × 1.7 cm
  • Weight: 8 g

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