Goldweight [Scorpion] 19th-20th century

This bronze scorpion was made by the Akan people, and its size tells us it's a goldweight. The lost wax casting process used to create this miniature sculpture is quite something. First, the maker would form a wax original. This would then be invested in clay, heated to melt out the wax, and molten bronze poured into the resulting cavity. Once cooled, the clay would be broken away, revealing the final form. But why go to all this trouble to weigh gold? Well, for the Akan, gold dust was currency. These weights were not just tools, but also status symbols. The form of the scorpion is full of meaning, representing strength and defense. The labor-intensive process of casting adds another layer of value, making it clear that even something as functional as a weight could also be a potent cultural artifact. So, next time you see a bronze object, think about the many hands and histories that have shaped its making!