Item #523

Type of object: Brass goldweight
Ethnic group: Asante
Country of origin: Ghana, Africa
Measurement: 9x 8x 10x (cm)
Materials: Brass, made from the lost-wax method
Overall condition: Excellent
Damage, Repair: None

SOLD
 

Two bronze men playing a famous game called Warri or Oware.
Akan/Asante goldweights were used as a measuring system by the Akan people of Africa. The gold weights were used as currency before money and coins were invented. Each goldweight has a known measurement and weight, based on the Islamic ounce.  Locally they are known as mrammou, and the weights are made of brass. Traditionally a small set of gold weights were given to a newly wedded man. The status and respect of a made will also increase if he would possess a complete set of gold weights.
Provenance: Private collection. F.d.G in NL