Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2019.9.6 |
Object Name |
Weight, Balance |
Description |
Geometric pattern gold weight with four raised squares on its surface. The Asante peoples of West Africa used gold dust as their currency for almost five centuries. To standardize prices, traders used a complex system of weights. Initially these weights were inspired by the geometric designs of the Arabic merchants' weights from North Africa, as in this weight's design. |
Title |
Gold Weight |
Date |
early 1800s |
Material |
brass |
Dimensions |
H-0.625 D-0.25 inches |
Credit line |
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Breunig, Jr. |
Place of Origin |
Africa/Ghana |
Culture |
Asante |
Subjects |
Gold Trade Geometry |
Relation |
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