Copper alloy weight for weighing gold, representing a shield with raised diamond pattern. [MJD 17/06/2011]

Collection type: Object
Description: Copper alloy weight for weighing gold, representing a shield with raised diamond pattern. [MJD 17/06/2011]
Long description: Copper alloy weight for weighing gold, representing a shield with raised diamond pattern. The shield has a bell shaped boss at the top and bottom. [MJD 17/06/2011]
Geographical reference: Ghana
Africa > Western Africa > Ghana; Ashanti
Person: Field collector Robert Sutherland Rattray; PRM source Robert Sutherland Rattray
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: Length: max 73 mm, Width: max 46 mm, Weight 49 g
Object numbers: Accession number: 1938.18.603
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]

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