Goldweight [Drum] 19th-20th century

Editor: So, this is a 19th to 20th-century brass sculpture entitled "Goldweight [Drum]" by the Akan people. It has such a miniature presence! I'm struck by how such a small object might carry significant weight, both literally and figuratively. What stories do you think this object might tell? Curator: Oh, it sings stories! Imagine this little drum, nestled perhaps in a merchant's hand, a silent partner in trade. These goldweights weren't just for measuring gold; they were visual proverbs, little metal allegories. The Akan are masters of metaphor, you see. What does that drum "say" to you, just looking at it? Editor: I see... almost a celebration? Maybe a call to gather or to announce something valuable is here. Curator: Precisely! Gold, of course, was valuable. But what else might the drum symbolize? Think of rhythm, of communication…of the heartbeat of a community. Perhaps it speaks of responsibility, of carefully measured actions echoing through society. These weren't merely tools, you see, but daily reminders of moral principles. Makes you think about the objects we surround ourselves with, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely! I never would have imagined so much could be embedded in one small sculpture. I am intrigued by the Akan people, their indigenous artwork, and the beauty created from brass. I wonder if there is a correlation with the drum sculpture to that of a beating drum in someone's hand in relation to rhythm and communication... that is fascinating! Curator: It's like holding history in your hand, isn't it? It’s incredible what tiny vessels of cultural meaning objects can be!