Goldweight [Harp] 19th-20th century

Curator: Here we have a 19th to 20th-century Akan goldweight from West Africa, specifically from what is now Ghana. It's crafted from brass and depicts a harp. Editor: Wow, even this small, I find it so delicate and optimistic. You can almost hear the music. It brings to mind warm, earthy tones, sunshine... imagine that brass gleaming! Curator: It's a beautiful example of Akan craftsmanship. Goldweights were more than just tools; they were integral to the economic and social lives of the Akan people. Standardized weights regulated the gold trade. They also became objects to embody moral concepts and even proverbs. Editor: The functionality layered with that deeper meaning – a conversation in metal. I love the paradox; this tiny thing could stand for so much. The texture, too! The patterned detail of what could be a resonating body and the way the strings curve away...it really breathes. Curator: It does invite a close look at the process of its manufacture and subsequent cultural influence. What makes it so fascinating is that these were created through the lost-wax casting method, using techniques passed down through generations. Every detail had significance. Think of it also as a material testament to complex trade networks and artisanal skill, influencing the circulation of precious metals. Editor: The image makes you realize this isn't *just* art, or just currency—it's embedded in the very pulse of Akan society! And those skills passed on--that connection to ancestral artistry is humbling to consider. Curator: Precisely. It’s a tiny piece carrying monumental implications of a rich, structured society where economic activity and artistic expression met. I can't help but reflect on what these figures tell us about the ingenuity and cultural values inherent in trade and artistry. Editor: To hold that would really mean you are connecting to that world of artisans. It feels intimate but incredibly powerful when imagining its purpose and the people behind this artistry and process. Thank you.