Goldweight [Chair] 19th-20th century

This small bronze sculpture, known as a "goldweight," was created by the Akan people of Ghana in the 19th-20th centuries. The intricate design features a miniature chair with a twisted rope motif and a rounded back adorned with three stylized birds. These weights were used to counterbalance scales in trading precious metals, highlighting the significance of economic exchange in Akan society. The detailed craftsmanship of the goldweight reflects the Akan's artistic skill and appreciation for intricate forms. This "Chair" goldweight is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.