Akan Gold Weight: Two Men and a Vase

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Akan Gold Weight: Two Men and a Vase

Place of OriginGhana

DateEarly to mid-20th century

DimensionsH: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm); L: 1 9/16 in. (4 cm); W: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm); Weight: 57.91 grams

MediumBrass.

ClassificationMetalwork

Credit LineGift of the Popplestone Family

Object number

2006.77

Not on View

DescriptionA small, figurative sculpture cast in brass. Two stylized male figures stand on a rectangular base, facing one another. Between them sits a large, rounded vessel or vase with a narrow neck. One figure reaches toward the vessel while the other appears to be steadying it or gesturing toward the liquid within. The figures have simplified, columnar limbs and expressive facial features characteristic of Akan metalwork. A partial museum label remains adhered to the center of the base.

Label TextGold was the basis of Ashanti prosperity from the 14th through the 19th centuries. Miniature sculptures served as weights to measure gold dust on balance scales. Each trader, chief, and family head kept a small bag filled with his own weights, both for verifying accuracy and for the pleasure of assembling “exhibitions” of tiny sculptures as part of each bargain. Ashanti art often incorporates messages and proverbs. The meaning of the sculpture of two human figures is not yet certain, but it might be “A blind man does not show the way to a blind man.”Published ReferencesUnpublished.