Goldweight [Scorpion] 19th-20th century

This small, cast brass sculpture, made by the Akan people, is a goldweight. Goldweights were used by the Akan people of Ghana to weigh gold dust, which was their primary form of currency. This specific weight is in the shape of a scorpion, which is a powerful and respected animal in Akan culture. The weight's intricate details and stylized form highlight the artistic skill of the Akan people and their deep connection to the natural world. These weights often served as a means of transmitting traditional stories and proverbs, adding a layer of cultural significance to their function.