Goldweight [Cluster of Peanuts] 19th-20th century

This cluster of peanuts was made by an Akan artist using the lost wax casting process. Goldweights like this were used in Ghana for trade. The striking realism is a testament to the maker's skill, meticulously capturing the peanuts' textured shells. But this wasn't just artistic expression; it was commerce. The weight would have been used on a balance scale. Gold itself was the standard of value, painstakingly mined and panned. The work involved in extracting even a small amount was considerable, a labor that gave this little sculpture a weighty significance, far beyond its modest size. So, next time you look at a small bronze like this, remember it's not just about aesthetics. It embodies a whole economy, a system of trust, and the artistry of everyday exchange. It challenges our conventional separation of art from the practicalities of life.