Goldweight [Pair of Figures Working Bellows] 19th-20th century

This bronze sculpture of two figures working bellows was made by an Akan artist, though the date of its creation is unknown. Goldweights like this were produced in West Africa, specifically in Ghana, as part of the gold trade from the 15th century until the early 20th century. The image of two people working bellows would have been a common sight, however the weight itself is not necessarily an accurate depiction of life. It can be understood as a comment on the importance of collective labor within Akan society. The image references the laborious nature of smelting gold. Goldweights like this one also played a crucial role as a means of standardizing exchange rates in the gold trade economy. The historian will need to research the symbolic meaning of the subject. By doing that, we can understand the social and political dynamics in the gold trade and Akan society. The value of this artwork is embedded in its historical context.