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1938.18.746

Copper alloy weight representing a stylised 'U' shaped fish with a serrated snout, gills and protruding dorsal fin. [MJD 19/08/2008]

On display

1938.18.746

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Collection type
Object
Description
Copper alloy weight representing a stylised 'U' shaped fish with a serrated snout, gills and protruding dorsal fin. [MJD 19/08/2008]
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 Brass Metal, Material Copper Alloy Metal, Process Cast
Dimensions
Width: max 30 mm, Length: max 54 mm
Object numbers
Accession number: 1938.18.746
Research and responses

The sawfish (of the genus Pristis, the snout of which ends in a long, flat projection with teeth on each edge) should not be confused with the swordfish (Xiphias gladius, 'having the upper jaw prolonged into a sword-like weapon). This object would seem to represent a sawfish. [JC 23 9 2005]

Search terms: Measurement, Figure, Gold Weight, Fish Figure

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