Goldweight [Two Birds on Swirls] 19th-20th century

This goldweight, depicting two birds perched atop swirling forms, was created by the Akan people in West Africa. These weights were meticulously cast in brass using the lost wax method, a skilled tradition that involved creating a wax model, encasing it in clay, melting out the wax, and then pouring molten brass into the resulting mold. Once cooled, the clay would be broken to reveal the final form. The brass itself was sourced through extensive trade networks, connecting local artisans to global economies. But these weights were far more than currency. They were embodiments of proverbs, symbols of status, and visual expressions of a sophisticated culture deeply engaged with trade, politics, and social life. The making of these objects was a communal effort, reflecting the shared values and beliefs of Akan society, blurring the lines between everyday life and artistic expression.