Goldweight Depicting a Coiled Snake

AsanteWW-1800-142543

1800·Copper alloy·1 × 3 × 3.8 cm (3/8 × 1 3/16 × 1 1/2 in.)

<p>Weights for measuring gold dust were made and used throughout Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire for more than five centuries, from about 1400 to 1900. These weights are either figurative or abstract and are usually divided into an early period (c. 1400–1700) and a late period (c. 1700–1900). During the late period, an increased variety and number of figurative weights emerged, although abstract weights continued to be made. Although used in economic transactions, the individual pieces could also function symbolically as indicators of wealth when placed on display.<br>Many types of animals, birds, and reptiles are represented in Akan proverb gold weights. This weight depicts a snake—with its tightly coiled body and its large eyes suggesting alertness and preparedness—a common symbol of leadership and wisdom in many West African societies.</p>

Catalogue

Year: 1800
Medium: Copper alloy
Dimensions: 1 × 3 × 3.8 cm (3/8 × 1 3/16 × 1 1/2 in.)
Collection: Art Institute of Chicago
Artist: Asante

Artist

Asante

Asante is both an Ashanti surname and a masculine Ashanti given name. Notable people with the Ashanti name include:

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