Goldweight [Crocodile with Diamond-Shaped Body] 19th-20th century

Curator: Here we have a Goldweight created by the Akan people sometime in the 19th or 20th century. What’s your first take on it? Editor: You know, immediately, it's like looking at something both ancient and otherworldly. It gives off a kind of geometric mysticism vibe. Is that just me? Curator: Not at all. Goldweights, such as this brass crocodile with a diamond-shaped body, were used as counterweights for measuring gold dust, a critical element in Akan trade. The form carries meaning—in this case, perhaps an invocation of the crocodile's strength and adaptability. The crocodile often appears as a symbol of power and the ability to survive. Editor: Right, and look how compact it is. You can tell it's made to fit nicely in your palm. Curator: It's miniature, but I think that's vital, really. It emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship involved. The lost-wax casting method must have been important to producing it. Imagine pouring molten brass to capture these small features. Editor: And all that care for something that seems purely functional! That really makes you reconsider our definitions of utility versus art, doesn't it? To me, the diamond-shaped body adds a formal sophistication, like it's elevating a basic weight to a regal icon. Curator: Definitely. These goldweights often took the form of proverbs. What do you think this could represent? Editor: It gives me this feeling of hidden depths, something lurking beneath the surface of normal activity. The formal construction has an element of sly wit. And I like the tail. Curator: Given your reactions, this might be speaking to something still very real today. We think of these tools of commerce as dry and separate, but really the act of creating something beautiful and lasting elevates not only the transaction, but the value systems it upholds. Editor: Exactly. Makes me think we ought to demand our everyday objects be this rich in meaning, wouldn't that be a trip? Anyway, something really intriguing about this piece!