Gold Weight
Item number 3600/27 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Tiny rectangular gold weight with geometric design. At centre, four raised rectangles.
History Of Use
Gold weights were historically made and used by the Akan peoples to weigh powdered gold ('gold dust'), which was used as the standard currency from the seventeenth to mid-nineteenth centuries. Locally referred to as abrammuo (singular mrammuo), they were usually made of a brass alloy and were based on the Islamic
weight
system. Each form had a known measurement, and those engaging in trade at that time would own a full set of weights. The pieces were cast using the lost-wax technique, ranging in form from simple geometric designs (thought to be the earliest forms) to figurative forms such as animals and humans, or items such as swords and Adinkra symbols.
Narrative
Purchased by Peter Oberlander on his frequent trips to Africa, sometime between 1958-1990. Oberlander was teaching and consulting in Ghana, and consulting for the UN in Nigeria and Kenya.
Item History
- Made in Ghana
- Owned by Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
- Owned by Anonymous before September 22, 2022
- Received from Anonymous (Donor) on September 22, 2022
What
- Name
- Gold Weight
- Identification Number
- 3600/27
- Type of Item
- weight
- Material
- bronze metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast
- Overall
- height 0.7 cm, width 1.7 cm, depth 0.9 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ghana
Who
- Culture
- Akan
- Previous Owner
- Cornelia Hahn Oberlander and Anonymous
- Received from
- Anonymous (Donor)
When
- Ownership Date
- before September 22, 2022
- Acquisition Date
- on September 22, 2022
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3600/0027
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