Descriptions

Asante merchants used these copper alloy weights as a standard for weighing gold when trading. While the weights of these objects were standardised, their shape varied, and could be simple or complex. This specific example highlights the age-old idea of recycling, and was last used as a gold-weight in the 19th century. This is a machined brass screw that’s been taken from a broken piece of equipment.

Donor unknown.

L. 12 x W. 9 mm

This object is on display at RAMM in the World Cultures gallery.