Goldweight [Sword] 19th-20th century

Curator: Isn't it lovely? Here we have an Akan goldweight from the 19th or 20th century, currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It's called "[Sword]". The piece combines brass and what appears to be a found object in its construction. Editor: There’s something about it that feels both powerful and unsettling. Is it just me, or is there an almost visceral sense of authority emanating from this small sculpture? Curator: Absolutely! It embodies the idea of power. In Akan culture, these goldweights weren't just used for measuring gold; they served as proverbs, visual metaphors for laws, social mores, and the spiritual understanding of the world. This particular piece would have held complex symbolic weight for those who understood its iconography. Editor: Looking closer, the sword itself is a common enough symbol of leadership, bravery and military strength... But it's been stylized, almost softened. The brass gives it an enduring, even mythical quality. And that figure, what is it saying, or commanding, even in its static pose? It almost looks like the form of a queen. Curator: Precisely. What I find fascinating about Akan art is how deeply embedded symbolism is within even seemingly functional items. A sword-shaped goldweight would prompt conversations, reminding people of the ethics of power. Its imagery suggests a system of checks and balances and perhaps a focus on responsible authority. It certainly captures that concept so clearly. Editor: It makes you wonder, doesn’t it, how the smallest objects can contain such expansive meaning? Perhaps we should carry goldweights instead of credit cards, as reminders of what truly holds value? Curator: Perhaps. We could all do with a little more tangible symbolism in our pockets! It invites me to reflect on what shapes my value system and my leadership style. Editor: Agreed. These old objects really help the symbols keep going through time, shaping culture again and again.