Scales Item Number: K2.309 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
A scale consisting of a metal rod with a metal pan hanging from each end with three lines of thread. Incised circles and scallop design on topside of scale pans.
History Of Use
Used to weigh powdered gold (gold dust). In exchanges of gold dust, both buyer and seller would weigh it on their own pair of scales, to ensure fairness. Due to the difficulty of handling gold dust, boys would train how to manage it by practicing with miniature scales. These scales were an integral part of any futuo (gold weight set). When not in use, the futuo would be carefully protected, rarely leaving the owner's possession. It was believed a part of a trader's kra (soul) was contained within the package, and so would often be included in the purification ceremony during the annual Odwira festival.
Item History
- Made in Ghana
- Collected by Deborah Taylor between 1971 and 1972
- Owned by Deborah Taylor before 1972
- Received from Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) and Deborah Taylor (Seller) during 1972
What
- Name
- Scales
- Identification Number
- K2.309
- Type of Item
- scale
- Material
- brass metal and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- hammered
- Overall
- height 23.2 cm, width 15.2 cm, depth 5.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Akan
- Field Collector
- Deborah Taylor
- Previous Owner
- Deborah Taylor
- Received from
- Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source) and Deborah Taylor (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ghana
When
- Collection Date
- between 1971 and 1972
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 101
- Accession Number
- 0200/0017