Goldweight [Quadruped with Spiral Tail] 19th-20th century

This diminutive quadruped, with its charming spiral tail, was made by an Akan artist, and is identified as a goldweight. These objects were cast in brass, using the lost wax technique. The smooth, dense quality of the metal speaks to this process, in which molten material is poured into a mold. But this wasn't just any decorative object; its purpose was to weigh gold dust, the currency of the Akan people. What appears to us as sculpture, was literally money. Given the importance of this function, the casting would have been done with great care, and to a very precise standard. It's a striking example of how even the most pragmatic objects can take on aesthetic qualities. The spiral tail, while perhaps functional as a grip, certainly elevates the object beyond pure utility. It invites us to consider the cultural values embedded in economic exchange.