Goldweight [Crab Claw] 19th-20th century

This small, cast goldweight in the shape of a crab claw, likely created by the Akan people of Ghana, dates from the 19th or 20th century. Goldweights were used in trading and were often fashioned in the form of animals, plants, and other objects important to Akan culture. This particular piece demonstrates the artistry and craftsmanship of Akan goldsmiths, with its intricate detail and smooth, polished surface. These weights, along with other Akan art forms such as kente cloth and terracotta figures, are cherished as testaments to the rich cultural heritage of this group.