Goldweight [Lizard with Fish in Mouth] 19th-20th century

Curator: Well, hello there! I’m really drawn to this intriguing object – a brass goldweight made by the Akan people, sometime in the 19th or 20th century. It’s entitled "Lizard with Fish in Mouth." What's your take on this curious sculpture? Editor: Utterly bizarre and strangely captivating. It looks like something Dr. Seuss dreamed up after a few too many espressos – a lizard balancing a fish on its head like some kind of avant-garde hat. Is it just me, or does the lizard look like it's saying, "Ta-da!" Curator: Precisely! Akan goldweights weren’t merely decorative. They served a crucial social and economic function. The weights, like this one here, were used on scales to measure gold dust, the region’s principal currency, which impacted trust and value in transactions, therefore society. Each weight could also represent proverbs, communicating ethical and moral values. Editor: Ah, so it’s a metaphor, wrapped in a practical tool. So, what message could our fish-hatted friend possibly be sending? Curator: This particular image often refers to the proverb, "The lizard may try to fly, but it will always come down". Thus, it promotes patience, adaptability, and, dare I say, humility. You may strive, but stay grounded in reality. Editor: I love that. A solid reminder. It makes me wonder, though, about the symbolism of combining the lizard and the fish – the land and the water. Was that a common motif? Curator: Intermingling such elements signified balance, transition, and perhaps the interconnectedness of different realms. Such iconography was thoughtfully chosen to amplify the object's significance and the transaction for which it was used. Editor: Knowing this changes my perception quite a bit. What at first appeared whimsical now feels profound, grounded by generations of tradition and thoughtful intention. It's really humbling, isn't it? To think this tiny brass figure carries so much cultural weight. Curator: Exactly! It serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest object can tell a vast story about power, community, and the human need to find balance. Editor: It has me thinking that perhaps all things, like our funny lizard friend, can bear a load of intention. Curator: Indeed. It really makes you appreciate the profound role objects play in mirroring, negotiating, and influencing culture.