Goldweight [Quadruped] 19th-20th century

This small bronze sculpture, a gold weight by the Akan people, presents a quadruped, likely a crocodile. In Akan culture, the crocodile embodies adaptability and cunning. This symbolism echoes across time; consider Sobek, the ancient Egyptian crocodile-headed deity, protector of pharaohs, linked with military prowess, evoking primal power. The crocodile, an amphibious creature, connects the terrestrial and aquatic realms, reflecting life’s transitions. Think of the Ouroboros, the snake devouring its tail—a symbol of cyclical renewal, echoing subconscious fears and hopes. The crocodile's image persists through cultural memory, transforming from divine protector to a symbol of survival, proving how ancient symbols never truly die but resurface, shaped by our ever-evolving human experience.