Goldweight [Crocodile] 19th-20th century

Editor: This brass sculpture, titled "Goldweight [Crocodile]" by the Akan people, is dated to the 19th-20th century. Its small size gives it a certain intimacy, yet the crocodile motif feels quite powerful. What does this work say to you? Curator: Well, I see a fascinating example of the intersection of commerce, social values, and artistic expression within Akan culture. These goldweights weren’t just utilitarian objects. They served as symbols of status and were deeply embedded in their legal and social systems. How do you see the representation of the crocodile playing into that? Editor: Hmm, I suppose the crocodile, with its power and connection to water, could symbolize strength, adaptability, even authority? Curator: Exactly. And its presence here reflects Akan proverbs and social commentary. The crocodile is a potent figure often linked to wisdom and cunning within their oral traditions. The visual culture is never separate from the societal structure. Think about how access to, and control over, gold profoundly shaped Akan social hierarchies and political power dynamics during that time. Editor: So the weight isn’t just about the gold; it embodies the complex societal values? It’s almost a mini-monument. Curator: Precisely! It represents not just economic value, but social and symbolic worth as well, showcasing how the Akan integrated art into their daily lives, giving these pieces a significant role in negotiating social and political landscapes. These objects teach us a lot about the politics of imagery. Editor: It's amazing how something so small can reveal so much about the culture! I definitely understand it better now. Curator: Indeed. The piece also illuminates how art functions within broader systems of power and meaning.