NINE AKAN BRASS GOLDWEIGHTS, GHANA, LOST-WAX CAST

A carefully assembled group of nine brass goldweights attributed to the Akan peoples of present-day Ghana. The group comprises eight geometric weights and a larger figurative example, probably representing a double-headed reptile with a shared, spotted body. Akan gold weights were used with balances to measure quantities of gold dust, which served as an important medium of exchange in the historic regional gold trade.

The weights were individually cast, principally by the lost-wax method, and display engraved, modelled, ribbed and geometric surface treatments. Several appear to retain contrasting metal additions that may have been introduced to calibrate their mass. The forms relate to geometric and figurative categories discussed by Timothy F. Garrard in Akan Weights and the Gold Trade. These comparisons provide cultural and typological context but do not establish the date of the present examples.

Circa:

Date uncertain. Traditional Akan forms with historical precedents documented from approximately 1400 to 1900; the date of manufacture of this particular group has not been independently established.

Provenance:

Egon Guenther collection, by family descent to Thomas Guenther collection.

Measurements: Individual measurements available on request.

Weight: Combined weight of all nine goldweights: 160 g.