African Woman With Baby and Childs #561 on Deco Art Africa

Description

Akan goldweight figures were used as a measuring system by the Akan people of West-Africa. The gold weights were used to weigh gold dust which was used as currency before money and coins were invented. Each goldweight has a known measurement and weight, based on the Islamic ounce. Locally they are known as mrammou, and the weights are made of brass. Traditionally a small set of gold weights were given to a newly wedded man. The status and respect of a man will also increase if he would possess a complete set of gold weights.

Provenance: Private collection. F.d.G in NL / Tribal Art Treasures