Item #595
Type of object: Brass goldweight
Ethnic group: Asante/Ashanti
Country of origin: Ghana, Africa
Measurement: 6 x 5 x 10 cm
Materials: Brass, made with the lost-wax method
Weight: 191 grams
Overall condition: Good
Damage, Repair: Small corrosion
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