Goldweight [Cleaver] 19th-20th century

This brass goldweight in the form of a cleaver was made by the Akan people, who live in the southern regions of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. For the Akan, gold isn't just a commodity, it embodies a life force, and these weights were integral to regulating its trade. These weights weren't just tools; they were emblems of status, intimately linked to the cultural and economic life of the Akan people. Each weight, carefully crafted, tells a story. In this case, the cleaver form is associated with justice and the law. Consider the symbolism embedded within the tool's representation. Who holds the power to cut and decide? What does it mean to standardize value within a community? These objects are a testament to the fusion of art, commerce, and the human quest for justice.