Goldweight [Cluster of Seven Seed Pods] 19th-20th century

This is an Akan goldweight, shaped like a cluster of seven seed pods. Notice the object's compact size, roughly 1.6 x 1.75 x 0.6 inches, its shape and the metal casting contribute to the object’s density, both visual and material. Looking closely, observe the formal qualities. The seed pods are arranged in a tight, almost geometrical configuration. The texture of the bronze adds depth and character, with the sharp points of the seed pods drawing attention to the base. The form and material of the goldweight does more than depict a botanical form, it transforms into a symbolic object related to trade and commerce. The Akan people used goldweights not just as tools for measuring but also as cultural symbols. It's in the convergence of form, function, and symbolism that the Akan goldweight achieves its richness. This bronze weight acts as a kind of philosophical statement, reminding us that even the most pragmatic objects can carry layers of cultural meaning.