Weight Akan
Akan · West Africa
Reference: PGM-106
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- Height
- 1.10 cm
- Material
- African Bronze
These pieces were used in the territory Akan Until well into the century XX. They are all different, both in shape and in size or weight.…
Enquire about this objectFull original description
These pieces were used in the territory Akan Until well into the century XX. They are all different, both in shape and in size or weight. All of them are decorated with different motifs on their surface. These motifs constitute a true code of signs, a language only known to some high initiates. Fr. Georges Niangoran Nbouah, q.e.p.d. left us an extensive three-volume treatise on the weights of weighing gold, certainly the first and most in-depth study on the subject.
It weighs in the form of a pyramid of three heights, the upper one is formed by a figure in the form of "S" or "5". According to researcher H.Abel the heights of the pyramid weights indicated the rank of its owner. Its base is rectangular and the measurements of the sides of the base are 21x1,7 cms. Its weight is 18,00 grams.
Further technical information
- Width
- 2.10 cm
- Attributed period
- Century XVII a XIX
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
West Africa. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
