A RARE AKAN FIGURAL GOLDWEIGHT

Description:

West-Africa, Ghana
H. 3,5 cm
Standing on a flat plint with spread legs, grabbing his head with both hands. Lost-wax cast. Gold. 24 g.
These types of figural gold weights were used by the Akan people as a measuring system for weighing gold dust, which was used as a means of payment. They were locally called mrammou and usually they were made of brass. Traditionally, they were given to the bridegroom as a wedding gift, as this increased his status and prestige depending on the number of weights in his possession.
From the collection of Ludwig Bretschneider (1909-1987), assembled from the 1950s to the 60s - Very minor wear.