Goldweight [Drum] 19th-20th century

Editor: Here we have an Akan goldweight in the form of a drum, crafted in brass sometime in the 19th or 20th century. It's incredibly small, intricate work! I am struck by how such a diminutive object carried such significant cultural meaning. What can you tell me about its symbolism? Curator: This miniature drum transcends its literal form. Drums, in Akan culture, are more than musical instruments; they are voices of ancestors, communicating history, tradition, and spirituality. What emotions do you feel when considering the function of drums as both object and metaphor? Editor: I guess I think about how objects carry narratives...a container, almost, for a community's memory. So, using it as a weight for gold... that creates an interesting connection between economic value and ancestral value, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely. The weight of gold is not just measured in grams, but also in cultural memory. Notice the specific details rendered in the brass casting: the drum's shape, the presence of drumsticks. Do these details remind you of anything in terms of visual language? Editor: Now that you mention it, the geometry is striking. It's almost like a tiny temple, very carefully constructed. Does its design echo the architecture or ritual objects used during the period it was made? Curator: It certainly does. The formal composition connects to broader social and spiritual concepts that permeated the period, carrying cultural DNA, if you will. Goldweights themselves served not only practical but also didactic purposes, reminding users of ethical conduct and societal norms. Think about how the drum "speaks" even in silence. Editor: It's amazing how much symbolic weight this little brass drum carries! It's more than just a weight; it’s a testament to cultural values and memory. Curator: Exactly. This goldweight is a poignant example of how symbols permeate the most mundane objects. The power of a silent ancestor's voice, embedded in economic exchanges!