Goldweight [Bird] 19th-20th century

This small, cast brass bird was created by an Akan artist as a goldweight. Among the Akan peoples of Ghana, gold was historically more than currency; it was a symbol of life force, linked to the sun and used in rituals. Goldweights were integral to Akan society, which was highly structured around trade. These weights, often small figural sculptures, were used to measure gold dust, the primary currency. Reflecting the culture, they took many forms – animals, plants, people, and objects, each carrying symbolic meanings. Proverbs were often associated with particular weights, offering wisdom and moral guidance in trade and daily life. The bird, for example, could represent watchfulness, prudence, or resourcefulness. Imagine holding this small sculpture. Consider the hands that cast it, the merchants who used it, and the stories it silently carried. It’s a reminder that even the smallest objects can reflect the complex values and histories of a society.