Weight of Weighing Gold On Wide Cross

Akan · West Africa

Reference: PGM-57

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Height
1.40 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.…

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Full 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 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 weight, of real character, has two levels one practically quadrangular and a second level in the form of a cross widened with a central orifice. The cross is crossed by lines forming rhombuses. It has a weight of 172,2 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.

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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.

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