Object Details
Description
These brass weights were used by the Akan people of modern day Ghana and the Ivory Coast for measuring gold dust between the late thirteenth and early twentieth centuries. They were cast into geometric shapes and figures of animals and people. These weights set a standard for measuring gold dust and made it easier to use gold dust as currency. The weights’ varied forms reflect Akan culture as well as cultural interaction between West African, North African, and European traders over five centuries.
Credit Line
Benjamin Stack, Harvey G. Stack, and Norman Stack
date made
19th century
ID Number
NU.77.38.022
catalog number
77.38.022
accession number
1977.1211
Object Name
Coin
Figurine
weight
Other Terms
Coin; Figurine; Africa; Camerouns, Ashanti
Physical Description
bronze (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 7.1 cm x 4 cm x 1.4 cm; 2 25/32 in x 1 9/16 in x 9/16 in
place used
Ghana
Related Publication
Feingold, Ellen R.. Value of Money, The
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
West African Currency
Exhibition
Value of Money
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1251921