CraftCentre and east

Akan brass gold weights

Poids à peser l'or

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The Akan world used gold dust as currency, and these lost-wax brass weights were used to weigh it. Many shapes correspond to a proverb.

Gold was the foundation of Akan kingship. The weights were both business tools and 'proverbs you can hold', so every transaction was also an exchange of wisdom.

CE QUE VOUS VERREZ · What you will see

In museums or antique shops, boxes of thumb-sized brass figures: crocodiles, birds, old men, geometric shapes, each a different weight.

POURQUOI · So what

They bring together Akan commerce, metalwork and oral wisdom, and explain the saying that to speak of the king is to speak of gold.

SAVOIR-FAIRE · How to use it

A small weight makes a great gift and conversation piece. Ask 'Which proverb does this shape stand for?' to open a rich conversation. Again, know the difference between new pieces and antiques.

Asian and European parallelsCompare the Chinese abacus and inscribed seals, or Japanese netsuke: small objects holding big culture.

Where to experience itMuseum of Civilisations; reputable antique dealers.