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1938.18.750

Copper alloy weight for weighing gold representing a fish with a serrated snout. [MJD DDF Body Arts Project 2010/2011 21/12/2010]

1938.18.750

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Collection type
Object
Description
Copper alloy weight for weighing gold representing a fish with a serrated snout. [MJD DDF Body Arts Project 2010/2011 21/12/2010]
Long description
Copper alloy weight for weighing gold representing a fish with a serrated snout. The fish is U shaped. [MJD DDF Body Arts Project 2010/2011 21/12/2010]
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
Length: max 46 mm, Width: max 39 mm, Weight 15 g
Object numbers
Accession number: 1938.18.750
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