Goldweight [Linked Knots] 19th-20th century

Editor: This diminutive brass sculpture, dating from the 19th or 20th century, is called Goldweight [Linked Knots] and it’s attributed to the Akan people. It's quite small but evokes a sense of interconnectedness and balance. What story do you think it whispers? Curator: Oh, it sings, rather than whispers! For me, it's about more than just balance; it embodies the intricate dance of human relationships, that knot tying us to each other whether we like it or not. Imagine, those links are forged in the fires of everyday life – arguments, laughter, shared meals. Do you see the subtle differences in the surface texture? It’s like each connection has its own unique weathering, its own story etched in brass. Editor: I see what you mean about the texture. I was so focused on the symmetry of the two shapes that I missed the subtle differences. It’s almost like each weight represents a person in a relationship? Curator: Precisely! The Akan people used these weights not just for measuring gold, but as tangible proverbs, reminders of the complex societal structures and moral values. Think of the weight in your own life - what anchors you, what connects you to the world around you? Editor: I guess my relationships with friends and family act as my gold weights, balancing out the… everything else. Curator: Exactly. It's grounding, isn’t it? Like this small piece carrying so much weight - physically, economically and metaphorically! It invites us to contemplate what's truly valuable and lasting. Editor: That’s really beautiful - how something so small can hold so much meaning. I’ll definitely look at these objects differently now.