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This is the rating and price for Suite Of 4 Figural Ashanti Gold Dust Weights



Description : West Africa, Central Ghana, Ashanti culture, ca. 19th century CE. Four bronze weights produced via the lost wax process, one cast as an alligator/crocodile, with intricately incised scales, a jagged tail, four outspread legs, and an ovoid head with an open mouth and incised round eyes. The others are of rectangular forms with abstract linear motifs, perhaps representing textile motifs. Weights have been used to measure gold dust since the pre-European 1400s. According to the African Art Museum The Ashanti are credited, however, with introducing representational art to this genre—so anything depicting a person or animal, post-1700, can rightly be called an Ashanti gold weight. Gold was a focus of Asante art and their belief system. Gold entered the Asante court via war or tribute and was used to create ceremonial objects and jewelry by artisans from conquered lands. Hence, the court’s power was displayed through its regulation of the regional gold trade. Size: crocodile weight measures 2.5 L (6.4 cm) Provenance: Ex Material Culture, Bob Brand collection. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #114024
Price: 93.38 USD It's free to register now to view!
Estimate (low-high) : 125 USD-200 USD It's free to register now to view!

About the lot N° 299
Title : Suite Of 4 Figural Ashanti Gold Dust Weights
Condition report : Old losses to peripheries of rectangular bar form weights. Crocodile/alligator is intact
Artemis Gallery, auctioneer, Louisville, CO It's free to register now to view!
Sale title : Ancient / Ethnographic From Around The World
Sale date : 27 Oct 2016 It's free to register now to view!
Sale Reference : Live Sale

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