Goldweight [Sword and Sheath] 19th-20th century

Curator: This brass sculpture, dated to the 19th or 20th century, is titled "Goldweight [Sword and Sheath]." It comes to us from the Akan people and resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its diminutive scale makes it feel precious. Editor: It does, it also suggests the miniaturization of power. What initially strikes me is its aged appearance—that patina really hints at stories of trade, of value exchanged, perhaps even struggles. It feels like it has witnessed history. Curator: The sword and sheath, as symbols, often represented authority, leadership, and the protection of community and trade routes. For the Akan, goldweights were also a means of preserving balance and fairness. This symbol could thus represent accountability of leaders and traders. Editor: Exactly. We should be conscious of what kind of authority it signifies. Who gets to wield it, and for what purposes? Power structures are never neutral, and this object reflects historical imbalances and potential conflicts that continue to echo. The decoration reminds of colonial influences as well. Curator: Look closely at the handle – doesn’t the stylized form almost recall a lineage of power, with each shape representing different ancestral forces coming together? Perhaps representing various clans uniting in decision making? Editor: That interpretation adds layers, thinking about not only power but the careful negotiation and ancestral foundations that leadership should stand upon. But it also makes me consider the weight of that tradition— who is included and who is excluded? Curator: It invites careful consideration of context. Though small, this "Goldweight [Sword and Sheath]" opens up huge areas of dialogue. Editor: Absolutely, a valuable tool to look critically at how historical objects reflect contemporary struggles for equity.