Goldweight [Dagger] 19th-20th century

Curator: Before us we have a rather small artwork: an Akan goldweight cast in brass. The Minneapolis Institute of Art dates it to the 19th or 20th century, and its shape seems quite familiar… Editor: My first impression is direct and slightly menacing. Despite the small scale, there's a clear sharpness in its design, which immediately evokes feelings of alertness and perhaps a touch of anxiety. Curator: Indeed. Its design represents a dagger. The geometrical planes resolve themselves in triangular shape and the cylindrical handle is separated in horizontal registers. How does that resonate with your iconographic reading? Editor: A dagger is rarely just a dagger, wouldn’t you agree? Beyond the literal, a dagger often signifies power, protection, and readiness. It can also symbolize betrayal, depending on the cultural context. It's about taking swift, decisive action, which makes one wonder about its intended message. The small size suggests a concentrated, portable form of influence or defense. Curator: And yet the materiality—the brass itself—also tells a story. In Akan culture, goldweights were critical components in economic transactions. They ensured fairness in trade and communicated value through a structured visual system. Does the symbol relate to such value negotiations? Editor: Fascinating! Knowing this, the dagger form acquires a new layer of meaning. Perhaps it symbolized the sharpness required in business dealings—the need for keen discernment or even a warning against dishonesty. It merges physical defense with economic prudence, illustrating how deeply cultural values permeate even seemingly functional items. Curator: Precisely! And when we contemplate the weathering on this brass sculpture, the erosion of its surfaces becomes a visualization of its historicity. Its design has been refined, abstracted over time. What do you take away as final insight? Editor: For me, it's a powerful reminder of how objects can carry condensed narratives. This goldweight acts as both a practical tool and a cultural artifact. Curator: Agreed. Analyzing the brass composition of this piece illuminates the Akan's rich symbolism, while its geometrical purity creates aesthetic depth and clarity.