Human world
Goldweights were used by Akan peoples of Ghana for weighing gold dust and nuggets. Gold dust was used as a general currency until the end of the 19th century. The Akan weight system, created in the 15th century, was modelled on the Islamic system introduced from North Africa by long-distance traders. Gold dust was weighed out into units of currency using a hand-held balance.
Asante gold weight, Ghana, late 19th or early 20th century
Acc. No: 1974.30.152
The first weights used by the Akan had simple geometric shapes and decorations clearly derived from weights introduced by North African traders. Rectangles, triangles and circles are the most common shapes.
Asante goldweight, Ghana, late 19th or early 20th century
Acc. No: 1974.30.398
Most geometric weights have no meaning but some of the later ones show complex designs like the symbols printed on adinkra cloth. Others are representations of amulets used by chiefs to ward off evil. The more complex designs on these weights help illustrate the development of an Akan visual language.
Asante, Ghana, late 19th or early 20th century
Acc. No: 1974.30.459
‘You can tell from the quills of a porcupine whether he is ready to fight or not’
Asante proverb
Goldweights in the form of animals usually related to well-known proverbs, symbols or sayings. For example the porcupine, with its many sharp quills, is a symbol of the well-armed Asante state and indicates its readiness to fight.