Akan Gold Weight

Akan Gold Weight

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Description
These brass weights were used by the Akan people of modern day Ghana and the Ivory Coast for measuring gold dust between the late thirteenth and early twentieth centuries. They were cast into geometric shapes and figures of animals and people. These weights set a standard for measuring gold dust and made it easier to use gold dust as currency. The weights’ varied forms reflect Akan culture as well as cultural interaction between West African, North African, and European traders over five centuries.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Gold Weight State Sword
alternative currency
Other Terms
Gold Weight State Sword; Africa; West, Ashanti
date made
n.d.
place used
Ghana
Physical Description
brass alloy (overall material)
brown/black (overall color)
cast (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
overall: 6.86 cm x 1.97 cm x 1.21 cm; 2 11/16 in x 25/32 in x 15/32 in
ID Number
1987.0723.06
catalog number
1987.0723.06
accession number
1987.0723
Credit Line
Marjorie A. Cope
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
West African Currency
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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