Description: The Asante or Ashanti are a tribe of the Akan people living predominantly in present-day Ghana. Historically, the Akan people used gold dust as currency: thus, weights to accurately measure quantities of gold gold were of profound importance and were manufactured in brass using the lost wax process from the 15th century onwards. Because gold weights were cast and recast using ancient designs, they are very difficult to date. While I try to date them as accurately as I can, the weights I am currently selling (an entire collection) may be much older. They will not be much younger: the Akan stopped crafting original gold weights when gold dust was replaced by paper and coin currency towards the end of the 19th century. Gold weights often evoked life around the Akan, folk tales or proverbs, and in addition to their intended use, could be worn as jewellery or talismans. This brass gold dust weight may date from the 18th or early 19th century. It is of a bird - possibly an Eagle - mounted on a double stepped base. Ruler to provide scale. Akan gold dust weights often have part of the structure removed or extra decoration added in order to conform to a standard weight. This example has an additional brass stump brazed onto the underside. Condition is fully and honestly depicted in images, which should be taken as part of the condition description. Shipped free, fully insured within the UK, internationally at cost through the Global Shipping Program. My unblemished 22 year record of 100% positive feedback is your guarantee of quality, value and service.
Price: 35 GBP
Location: Keighley
End Time: 2025-01-05T08:32:31.000Z
Shipping Cost: 31.36 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Returns Accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Primary Material: Brass
Antique: Yes
Original/ Repro: Original
Product: Gold dust weight
Region of Origin: Africa
Age: 1800-1849
