Goldweight [Locust] 19th-20th century

This goldweight, shaped like a locust, was made by the Akan people of Ghana, using the lost-wax casting method. This complex process begins with a wax model, carefully formed to capture the insect’s texture and form. The model is then encased in clay, heated to melt out the wax, and molten brass is poured into the resulting cavity. Once cooled, the clay is broken away, revealing the final form. Each goldweight is unique, both in its subject matter and precise weight. Although seemingly simple, the locust’s form is testament to the artist's skillful metalworking and deep understanding of the natural world. Goldweights like these were essential tools in trade. Their existence reflects a culture deeply enmeshed in commerce, where even tiny variations in weight could mean significant financial gains or losses. The care taken in crafting them elevates them beyond mere tools, underscoring how materials, making, and social context combine to give these objects their full meaning.