Miscellaneous Old Brass Akan Ghana Goldweights

Miscellaneous mixed brass goldweights from Ghana, traditionally used by the Akan people, a group of culturally rich societies in West Africa known for their sophisticated systems of trade, governance, and artistry. The Akan, including groups such as the Ashanti, played a central role in regional commerce, particularly during the height of the gold trade between the 15th and 19th centuries.

Goldweights were used to measure gold dust, which functioned as a primary currency. Traders relied on small balance scales, placing a goldweight on one side and gold dust on the other until equilibrium was reached. Cast in brass using the lost-wax method, these weights appear in a wide variety of forms, including animals, human figures, proverbs, and geometric designs. Beyond their practical use, they often conveyed moral lessons, reflected social status, or referenced Akan proverbs and beliefs, making them both functional tools and expressions of cultural knowledge.

Object Size: 21 pieces ranging from 14-48mm

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