ASHANTI AKAN - VINTAGE GOLD WEIGHT FROM GHANA, AFRICA
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THIS GOLD WEIGHT DEPICTS A SMALL BIRD THAT CAN EITHER SIT ON ITS TAIL OR WITH ITS BEAK ON THE GROUND. HE MEASURES 1 INCH HIGH BY 1 AND 1/4 WIDE. CRAFTED IN THE LOST WAX PROCESS AND COLLECTED MID-CENTURY BY A PEACE CORPS EMPLOYEE. I COMBINE ITEMS AND ALSO REFUND EXCESS FEES FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING. Akan goldweights were used as a measuring system by the Akan people of West Africa , particularly for weighing gold dust which was currency until replaced by paper money and coins. They are referred to locally as mrammou and the weights are made of brass and not gold. Used to weigh gold and merchandise, at first glance the goldweights look like miniature models of everyday objects. Based on the Islamic ounce, each weight had a known measurement. This provided merchants with secure and fair-trade arrangements with one another. The status of a man increased significantly if he owned a complete set of weights. Complete small sets of weights were gifts to newly wedded men. This insured that he would be able to enter the merchant trade respectably and successfully. Beyond their practical application, the weights are miniature representations of West African culture items such as adinkra symbols , plants, animals and people. Meanings behind the weights Scholars use the weights, and the oral traditions behind the weights, to understand
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