VINTAGE 1700-1900 AD WEST AFRICAN ASHANTI AKAN GOLD WEIGHT TRIBAL MAN FIGURE

Vintage, African, Ashanti, Akan gold weight, circa 1700-1900 AD, tribal figure of a man with a walking stick. “Akan gold weights are weights made of brass used as a measuring system by the Akan people of West Africa, particularly for trade arrangements with one another. Stylistic studies of gold weights can provide relative dates into the two broad early and late periods. The Early period is thought to have been from about 1400–1720 AD, with some overlap with the Late period, 1700-1900 AD. There is a distinct difference between the Early and Late periods. Geometric weights are the oldest forms, dating from 1400 AD onwards while figurative weights, those made in the image of people, animals, building etc., first appear around 1600 AD. Akan gold weights are cast solid brass weights made using the ancient lost-wax technique. They were used as a standardized measuring system by the Akan people of West Africa, particularly in trade.” (See photos for details) This item has been in climate controlled storage for decades. Comes from a pet and smoke free home.   Size: 2.25” tall