Weight Akan
Akan · West Africa
Reference: PGM-58
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- Height
- 1.50 cm
- Material
- African Bronze
These pieces were used in the Baule territory 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 Baule territory 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 known only to the high initiated. Fr. Georges Niangoran Nbouah, q.e.p.d. left us an extensive treatise in three volumes on the weights of weighing goldthe first and most in-depth study carried out on the subject.
This piece has two levels, one lower practically square and the other upper with a central square, dotted, from whose angles four irregular rectangles start, cut by a diagonal strip of stitches. The points helped to facilitate the calculation. On two opposite sides of the central square stands an equilateral triangle.A hole in the center of the central square. It's a piece of Islamic style. 161 grams.
Further technical information
- Width
- 4.50 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.
