Gold dust from the rivers of Ghana was formerly the ‘money’ of the Ashanti. In order to weigh gold dust, weight systems with their own specific weights were developed, the so-called ‘gold weights’. These weights were made of yellow cast-alloy (brass), executed with ‘waste mould’ casting. That means that every gold-weight was specifically formed, cast, and is therefore unique. Over the course of centuries, different forms of gold-weights were developed. There are: figural scenes, weights in the form of objects, geometric weights and so-called ‘natural casts’ (cast beetles, crab pincers, etc.). The present collection contains a figural weight (a hand holds a staff), 16 object-weights (a shield, an elephant tail as fan, three trumpets, a knife, two axes, a hammer, two rope loops - one with knots, two pieces of fruit, etc.). In addition, there are 29 geometric gold-weights and a ‘natural cast’ (a cast beetle). Also a spoon of embossed sheet brass, for weighing the gold dust. When a gold-weight had lost weight through long usage, this piece was then made heavier by adding small amounts of molten lead. Three such rare geometric weights, ‘repaired’ with lead, are present in the collection (upper left). The 48 objects are ideally stored in a collection box with shelves, fitted with dark red velvet. All items are old and used, and with the exception of small, minimal breaks, there is no significant damage. ‘Gold-weights’ of the Ashanti are collection objects of stunning variety. Box: 30 cm x 41 cm. Weights: First half of the 20th century, the majority earlier. (ME)

Provenance: According to the information of the consigner, collected in ca. 1950 in Accra (Ghana).