Goldweight [Porcupine] 19th-20th century

This cast brass porcupine goldweight was made by an Akan artist to weigh gold dust, the currency traditionally used in Ghana. Weights like these weren’t just functional, they were also important social objects. The procupine, or “Kotoko” is a symbol of strength, but it carries a deeper meaning too. Akan proverbs say “The porcupine is never thrown down from a tree.” The spines are there to protect you, but that’s not the main idea. No one can take down a porcupine, because it is always aware of how it presents itself. Weights like these are a fascinating window into the world of the Akan people. If you want to understand them better, you might start by exploring collections of Akan proverbs and histories of trade on the Gold Coast. Only then can we appreciate how these weights were used to negotiate not only economic value, but also social relationships.