Goldweight [Locust] 19th-20th century

Curator: This small but intriguing piece is an Akan goldweight from the 19th or 20th century, specifically representing a locust. It's part of the collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and made of brass. Editor: My initial reaction is, “Wow, something so functional can be so beautifully rendered!” It’s rough-hewn, almost like a fossil. Curator: Indeed. These goldweights, though functional for measuring gold dust, also served as a form of visual communication in Akan society. Their production and use were deeply embedded in the social and economic structures of the time. Editor: How so? Who was producing them, and how were they used in broader market practices? Curator: Usually made by local artisans working within Akan communities, the production involved the lost-wax casting method. Their forms, like this locust, conveyed proverbs, social commentaries, and moral lessons, essential elements in the economic and cultural life of the Akan people. Editor: So the choice of a locust is deliberate. Insects often appear as metaphors in folklore...was this locust referencing greed or some other societal ill, maybe crop devastation and famine fears? Curator: Possibly. The locust could represent destructive forces but also perseverance—locusts appear in great numbers, overcoming obstacles. Interpretation depends on the context and the user. Their existence underscores a fascinating link between material culture and social governance. Remember, imagery held incredible power. Editor: Looking at it in a museum setting today...the display really changes the object's life. Here, it exists solely for contemplation, severed from its original labor and transactional setting. That reframing is significant. Curator: Absolutely, the museum environment alters its function, shifting from a unit of economic measure to an aesthetic object. The display highlights its artistry and historical significance but perhaps obscures its original intent and circulation. Editor: Well, thinking about the artist’s labor, and how this small form carries so much significance still…It certainly prompts you to think about production, value, and meaning. Curator: I agree. I think this piece prompts valuable questions about trade, artistry, and the shaping influence of objects in our history.