Gold-weight (abrammuo): shield
Arts of Africa
Gold was extremely important in the economic and political life of the Akan kingdoms of southern Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Until the mid-nineteenth century, gold dust was the primary form of currency in the region. In order to measure precise amounts of gold, an elaborate system of weights, usually made of cast brass, developed by the seventeenth century. Gold weights took many forms: simple geometric shapes; animals, such as leopards or birds; objects, such as chairs or swords; and human figures. The figures, animals, and objects are often associated with proverbs. The sankofa bird, with head turned backward, represents the proverb “One must turn to the past to move forward.”
MEDIUM
Cast brass
DATES
19th or 20th century
DIMENSIONS
1 1/4 x 1 3/4 x 2 1/16 in. (3.2 x 4.4 x 5.2 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
74.218.29
CREDIT LINE
The Franklin H. Williams Collection of Ashanti Brass Weights and Accessory Objects for Weighing Gold, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Williams
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1974, provenance not yet documented; by 1974, acquired by Franklin Hall Williams and Shirley Broyard Williams of New York, NY; December 31, 1974, gift of Franklin Hall Williams and Shirley Broyard Williams to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Cast brass weight in shape of a curved shield with geometric markings and four bovine heads in relief with curved horns and open mouths.
Condition: Excellent.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Asante. Gold-weight (abrammuo): shield, 19th or 20th century. Cast brass, 1 1/4 x 1 3/4 x 2 1/16 in. (3.2 x 4.4 x 5.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, The Franklin H. Williams Collection of Ashanti Brass Weights and Accessory Objects for Weighing Gold, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin H. Williams, 74.218.29. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 74.218.29_PS6.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 74.218.29_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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