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Collection of 8 Mid 20th Century Ashanti Cast Brass Gold Weights

$775per item
£589.35per item
€679.79per item
CA$1,085.63per item
A$1,215.04per item
CHF 634.44per item
MX$14,823.54per item
NOK 8,053.38per item
SEK 7,642.16per item
DKK 5,076.35per item
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About the Item

This collection of weights from the Ashanti tribe was gathered in Ghana in the middle of the 20th century. The casting of brass or bronze has been a long-standing tradition of the Ashanti tribes in this region since the 17th century but comes from the longer tradition of the Akan peoples as far back as the 1400s and continues to this day. Through trade in gold dust theses, regins have been powerful and demanding locations creating rich artistic traditions. The production of gold weights has lasted this test of time. These are done in the lost wax process so each and evey element is unique and represents man-hours of work. The variety of forms found in these small works of art derives both from natural artistic development and the trading of gold dust itself. The forms are both abstract and real, and combine symbolism with tradition and most effectively the cultural norms of daily life. Of note here some are very tradition representing tribal activities such as hunting, smelting, farming, etc. while others seem sexual or depict shamans. These have a nice old surface and patina indicating some age and use and have been in the same collection since 1955 until we acquired them. sizes vary largest given.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Width: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Brass,Cast
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1950
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Hudson, NY
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU811316999652

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