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

Collection type: Object
Description: Copper alloy weight for weighing gold, representing a shield. [MJD 17/06/2011]
Long description: Copper alloy weight for weighing gold, representing a shield. The curved shield has a geometric design with nine bell shaped bosses and three broken away. The back of the shield has a handle in the centre. [MJD 17/06/2011]
Geographical reference: Ghana
Africa > Western Africa > Ghana; Ashanti
Cultural groups: Asante
Person: Field collector Robert Powley Wild; PRM source Robert Powley Wild
Date / Period: Date made: Before 1930
Date collected: By 1930
Acquisition information: Donated: 1930
Materials and processes: Material Copper Alloy Metal, Process Lost Wax Cast
Dimensions: Width: max 38 mm, Length: max 41 mm, Weight 32 g
Object numbers: Accession number: 1930.44.490
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]