Goldweight [Drum] 19th-20th century

This minute goldweight in the shape of a drum, resides here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and was created by an Akan artist. The drum, a vessel of communication, stands as a powerful symbol within Akan culture, and its representation here underscores the weight of its significance. The drum's form—narrow at its waist, expanding outwards—presents a study in contrasts; the texture, seemingly coarse, invites tactile exploration, while the metallic sheen suggests something precious. The drum shape, coupled with the weight itself, acts as a metaphor for the balance between ritual and daily life. The craftsmanship speaks to a society where even the tools of trade bear the mark of artistic expression. This goldweight, therefore, is not just an instrument of measure but an emblem of cultural equilibrium.