Goldweight [Snail] 19th-20th century

This diminutive bronze sculpture, no bigger than your thumb, is an Akan goldweight in the shape of a snail. The Akan people of Ghana used these weights to measure gold dust, the primary currency before paper money. Notice how the artist has captured the snail's form, reducing it to its essential curves and spirals. The smooth, dark surface reflects light, emphasizing the simple elegance of the shape. The snail's spiral is not just a visual element; it embodies concepts of growth and cyclical return, reflecting the rhythms of nature and life. Interestingly, the Akan used proverbs associated with the forms of goldweights. In this context, the snail may represent the proverb: "Take your time and you will get there," suggesting patience and perseverance in trade and life. Consider how this small object encapsulates complex ideas about value, nature, and human behavior. The goldweight is not just a tool for measuring gold, but a symbolic object imbued with cultural meaning, inviting us to reflect on the values we hold dear.