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Goldweight Depicting a Pyramid

A work made of copper alloy.

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  • A work made of copper alloy.

Date:

19th/mid–20th century

Artist:

Asante or related Akan-speaking peoples
Ghana
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

In the 15th century, Akan gold weights were introduced as standard units of measure to regulate the extensive trade in gold mined in Kumasi and transported across Saharan trade routes. These weights were cast using the lost-wax method into various motifs and forms. Although they were regularly melted down and recast, historical motifs—such as the pyramid—were reintroduced and used throughout the pre-colonial era.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Asante

Title

Goldweight Depicting a Pyramid

Place

Ghana (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1800–1975

Medium

Copper alloy

Dimensions

1.8 × 1.8 × 1.8 cm (7/8 × 7/8 × 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of the Britt Family Collection

Reference Number

1978.889

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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