Goldweight with a Geometric Design

AsanteWW-1700-142570

1700·Copper alloy·1 × 1.8 × 2.1 cm (3/8 × 11/16 × 13/16 in.)

<p>Brass-cast gold weights were used to measure gold dust, the local currency in the Akan-speaking regions of southern Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire between the 15th and 20th centuries. Made of a copper alloy, the gold weights enabled merchants to trade with towns in the Sahel region and North Africa and later with the Portuguese and the Dutch.</p> <p>The designs of gold weights are incredibly diverse, from simple geometries to designs referencing local proverbs. This small, square weight has a relatively tall base and consists of a raised abstract rectangle with four linear pieces removed. While interpretations of such abstract patterns are speculative, some do have parallels in architecture and textile design.</p>

Catalogue

Year: 1700
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: 1 × 1.8 × 2.1 cm (3/8 × 11/16 × 13/16 in.)
Collection: Art Institute of Chicago
Artist: Asante

Artist

Asante

Asante is both an Ashanti surname and a masculine Ashanti given name. Notable people with the Ashanti name include:

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