Goldweight [Tortoise with Fish] 19th-20th century

Curator: My goodness, this thing is strange and wonderful. It looks like a steampunk turtle, lost in time and meaning. Editor: Right, let’s unpack it a bit. We’re looking at a brass goldweight from the Akan people, likely created sometime in the 19th or 20th century. It's titled "Tortoise with Fish." Curator: "Tortoise with Fish"—I see! Now the little finned friend on top makes perfect sense. And that gorgeous, aged brass…it feels like touching history, like whispers of old stories linger in the metal itself. Editor: The "lost in time" feeling you mentioned actually hits close to the mark. These goldweights weren’t simply decorative objects; they were units of measurement, a vital tool in Akan trade. Each weight represents a specific value. Curator: Ah, so practical beauty! Imagine holding that little turtle knowing you're weighing fortune and fate at the same time. What about all the detail – the shells with the coils? Are they common in similar pieces? Editor: Absolutely! The spirals and geometric patterns are characteristic of Akan craftsmanship, a blend of stylized natural forms with symbolic meanings that probably would've shifted according to context. There's such an attention to minute details… think of the lost-wax casting technique. It highlights the incredible skill that was a key piece of Akan culture. Curator: I love how a humble tool can become a testament to the beautiful, intrinsic craftsmanship of a culture. It brings into sharp focus that often there is no "high" or "low" art - it’s all bound up in a story, a people. Editor: Exactly. It transcends simple functionality; it represents social order, artistry, and, ultimately, the circulation of wealth and materials. Curator: Looking at it now, I feel like I am also weighing possibilities and perspectives rather than tangible valuables. Editor: Agreed. Hopefully it will prompt others to do the same!