Goldweight [Pair of Sandals] 19th-20th century

This small, intricate brass sculpture is a "goldweight" from the Akan people of Ghana, dating back to the 19th-20th century. Goldweights were used to counterbalance scales during the weighing of gold dust, a significant form of currency in the region. This particular example is shaped like a pair of sandals, a motif that likely reflects the importance of trade and travel in Akan society. The piece showcases the skillful craftsmanship and intricate details typical of Akan art, demonstrating the enduring cultural significance of gold and its symbolic connection to wealth and power.