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1938.18.598

Copper alloy weight representing a shield with raised diamond pattern. [MJD 15/06/2011]

1938.18.598

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Collection type
Object
Description
Copper alloy weight representing a shield with raised diamond pattern. [MJD 15/06/2011]
Long description
Copper alloy weight representing a shield with raised diamond pattern. The shield has a bell shaped boss at the top and bottom. [MJD 15/06/2011]
Geographical reference
Ghana
Africa > Western Africa > Ghana
Ashanti
Date / Period
Date made: Before 1938
Date collected
By 1938
Acquisition information
Bequeathed: 1938
Materials and processes
Material Copper Alloy Metal, Process Lost Wax Cast
Dimensions
Width: max 25 mm, Length: max 42 mm, Weight 13 g
Object numbers
Accession number: 1938.18.598
Research and responses

According to de Kolb (1968) Ashanti Goldweights No.1, Gallery d'Hautbarr: New York, page 32 the story relating to the shield is 'OKYEM - SHIELD, were roughly of two variations - the great heraldic shields of thick hide for use in wars, and the dance shields of raffia work. Neither are to be seen in Ashanti today. Almost all the shields are hung with bells. The patterned symbolic decorations of abstract form, their meaning has been lost in time. Proverb - when a shield wears out, the framework still remains. (Men die, but their words or works may live forever.)'. [MJD 24/06/2011]

Search terms: Measurement, Weapon, Music, Gold Weight, Shield, Bell

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