Goldweight [Three Birds on Ring] 19th-20th century

This is an Akan goldweight, featuring three birds perched on a ring, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Goldweights like these were not merely functional; they were integral to the social and political fabric of Akan society in Ghana. These brass figures were used to measure gold dust, the primary currency before colonization. They were also a form of visual communication, embodying proverbs, historical events, and spiritual beliefs. The image of three birds conveys a message of collaboration and community. Each bird supports the other, illustrating the Akan concept of interdependence. This reflects the significance of social harmony and collective welfare in Akan culture. But consider how the value and meaning of goldweights shifted during the colonial era. What was once a symbol of autonomy and cultural identity became entangled with the economics of colonization and trade. They are a reminder of the complexities inherent in objects that carry both personal and collective histories.