West Africa, Ghana, Ashanti culture, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A collection of 30 cast-brass weights used for measuring and weighing gold. The weights are a variety of shapes, and most have flat profiles with raised or incised designs. Many are circular with overlapping discs or half discs with spiraling motifs- a popular style in Ashanti culture. Several are rectangular with raised linear motifs, and a few are triangular or trapezoidal shaped with leaf-like veins. Included are a few with perforations or suspension loops, and the weights range from 4.4 grams to 48.5 grams. Size of largest: 2" L x 2.35" W (5.1 cm x 6 cm)
Provenance: private Southern California collection, California, USA, acquired through descent 2006; ex-private California collection, USA, before 2000
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#134022
Condition
Nicks and chips to peripheries of some. Pinhole perforations through two. Nice patina and preservation of shapes throughout.