Goldweight [Knot] 19th-20th century

Curator: So, looking at this goldweight, I’m struck by its quiet strength. It's like a puzzle in miniature. What grabs you first? Editor: Definitely the tactile quality. It just makes me want to reach out and touch it, feel the weight in my hand. Does this piece by any chance have a story associated with it? Curator: It does! This is a brass goldweight from the Akan people, dating back to the 19th or 20th century. These weights were used to measure gold dust, which served as currency. What you see is actually a knot. Editor: Fascinating! A knot! So simple, but so resonant. Knots can symbolize connection, commitment, or even சிக்கல். I guess even when we buy something it also feels we are creating connection or creating commitment? Curator: Exactly. And each weight held not only monetary value but also communicated proverbs and social values through the symbolic representation it depicts. They often had visual references to things like bravery, morality, leadership etc. It's amazing to think how much cultural weight, both literally and figuratively, these little sculptures carried. Editor: That context just blows me away, considering each piece has meaning! Thinking about how power and commerce interact fascinates me. Curator: Indeed. This unassuming piece offers such a potent lens into the world of the Akan people. This goldweight gives weight to the world beyond art. Editor: Precisely. I feel this gives us an artistic bridge into it as well.