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19th Century Akan 'Cast From Life' Beetle Gold Weight, Ghana

$609.40

£450

€527.39

CA$840.39

A$944.14

CHF 493.31

MX$11,523.67

NOK 6,263.66

SEK 5,895.91

DKK 3,935.55

About the Item

Every detail and feature of the beetle has been finely preserved in bronze, from its tiny claws to the pattern of striations on the insect's shell. Having been 'cast from life' by an Akan goldsmith, this nineteenth-century bronze beetle from Ghana would have been used to measure gold dust. Between the fifteenth and nineteenth century, goldsmiths created gold weights in a variety of styles, depicting figures, geometric shapes, objects or animals. Akan gold weights were also worn as charms to cure ailments, gifted with dowries of gold dust or sent as pertinent messages. Proverbs depicted in the form of weight could provide a piece of advice, recall a debt, serve as a warning or token of friendship.

Dimensions:

Height: 0.6 in (1.5 cm)Width: 1.78 in (4.5 cm)Depth: 0.6 in (1.5 cm)

Style:

Tribal (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Bronze,Cast

Place of Origin:

Ghana

Period:

19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

19th Century

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

London, GB

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU8736234908572

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