2000.229.9.FA Gold weight

Early geometric Asante goldweights, usually taking the shape of a square, rectangle, or polygon, began to be made according to the Portuguese ounce-based weight system after 1500. This was in contrast to earlier goldweights that used an Islamic weight system, based on a measure called mithqal (Arabic for "unit of weight"), which the Akan peoples used in order to effectively engage in trade with Arab and North African merchants. Patterns decorating the later ounce-based goldweights include raised bars, ridged edges and surfaces, bow-tie or X motifs, and a variety of linear designs. 

Until 2000: The Alfred and Juanita Bromberg Collection

2000: Dallas Museum of Art Foundation for the Arts, bequest of Juanita K. Bromberg [1] 

The main source for this provenance is the Dallas Museum of Art object receipt, dated November 2, 1999, copy in Dallas Museum of Art Collections Records object file. Exceptions and supporting documentation are noted. 

[1] The Foundation for the Arts is a non-profit corporation created as a title-holding entity to serve the people of Dallas but to operate independently of the City. The Dallas Museum of Art (at its own cost) is responsible for the care, storage, insurance, conservation and maintenance of the collection, and agrees to maintain the highest museum standards in the management and handling of the Foundation’s collection. The title to all works of art purchased or otherwise acquired by the Foundation for the Arts is retained by the Foundation.

Apply to objects where number equals 2000.229.9.FA