Goldweight with a Geometric Design

Brass gold weights were used to measure gold dust, the local currency in the Akan-speaking regions of southern Ghana and the Ivory Coast before the 20th century. This small, square weight has a relatively tall base and consists of a raised abstract rectangle with four linear pieces removed. It is a striking and dynamic composition in its simplicity and clean geometry. While interpretations of such abstract patterns are speculative, some do have parallels in architecture and textile design. Many probably relate to West African cultural items such as Adinkra symbols or are abstract interpretations of plants and animals.