Scales Item Number: 3055/209 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Scales consist of a metal rod (part a) and two metal pans (parts b and c). Rod has a metal hook attached to one end from which a pan would suspend. Tied to one pan (part b) are three strands of cotton fibre that suspends the pan from the rod hook. Pans have incised circle design with dot in the centre on concave and convex sides and a border of incised lines.
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
- Owned by Alan R. Sawyer before 2002
- Owned by Erika H. Sawyer before April 16, 2014
- Received from Erika H. Sawyer (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) on April 16, 2014
What
- Name
- Scales
- Identification Number
- 3055/209 a-c
- Type of Item
- scale
- Material
- bronze metal and cotton fibre
- Part A
- height 0.3 cm, width 10.1 cm, depth 0.8 cm
- Part B
- height 0.4 cm, diameter 4.0 cm
- Part C
- height 0.3 cm, diameter 4.1 cm
Who
- Culture
- Asante
- Previous Owner
- Alan R. Sawyer and Erika H. Sawyer
- Received from
- Erika H. Sawyer (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ghana
When
- Ownership Date
- before 2002 and before April 16, 2014
- Acquisition Date
- on April 16, 2014
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3055/0209 a-c