Goldweight [Blacksmith's Tongs] 19th-20th century

This diminutive object is a goldweight, likely made by an Akan artist in West Africa. As the name implies, it was used to measure gold, cast in brass using the lost wax method. The form is simple – a pair of blacksmith's tongs. The tool is a reminder of labor, and the essential role of metalworking in Akan society. Gold was their principal export and currency; goldweights were essential for trade. But why represent tongs in particular? Perhaps because of its association with fire, and transformation. Tongs are a humble tool, but also emblematic of human ingenuity. This seemingly straightforward object reflects the complexities of culture, commerce, and identity. It serves as a reminder of the ways in which even the most utilitarian objects can be imbued with cultural meaning and significance. It challenges traditional notions of value and artistry.