Object Notes

The earliest goldweights were made of stone, copper, iron, or basalt. As the trans-Saharan trade routes became more established, the Akan learned the technique of brass casting from their North African trading partners, which allowed them to create figurative goldweights.

The earliest goldweights were made of stone, copper, iron, or basalt.

The earliest goldweights were made of stone, copper, iron, or basalt.

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.

The earliest goldweights were made of stone, copper, iron, or basalt. As the trans-Saharan trade routes became more established, the Akan learned the technique of brass casting from their North African trading partners, which allowed them to create figurative goldweights.

Proverb: It it always too late to say "Had I known!" 

Meaning: There is no use in looking backwards; hindsight is futile.

Proverb: The ears of a chief are like a strainer—there are more than a thousand ways to them.

Proverb: The crocodile lies in the water, but it also drinks the air.

Meaning: If you want to be strong and powerful, you must also be adaptable. 

The earliest goldweights were made of stone, copper, iron, or basalt. As the trans-Saharan trade routes became more established, the Akan learned the technique of brass casting from their North African trading partners, which allowed them to create figurative goldweights, such as this leopard-shaped weight.

Proverb: Only a wise man can untie a wisdom knot. 

Meaning: A ruler must also be a problem solver.