Goldweight [Horn] 19th-20th century

This Akan goldweight, shaped like a horn, speaks volumes about pre-colonial West Africa. It’s made of brass, probably using the lost wax process. The wax would have been carefully formed, then invested in clay, melted out, and replaced with molten metal. The finished object has a tactile presence. You can see that it was made in multiple stages, with the application of the decorative elements around the horn's opening being an added step. It’s a testament to the skills of the brass caster. These weights were crucial for measuring gold dust, the currency of the time. This connects the artistry directly to economics and trade, reminding us that even the most beautiful objects are often tied to the material realities of labor, politics, and consumption. It encourages us to rethink art history itself, acknowledging craft and design as vital forms of cultural expression.