A 18th–19th century Akan Geometric Gold Weight

Although often associated with the Asante, who are the most well-known of the Akan peoples, weights for measuring gold dust have a long history throughout Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. For over five centuries, from around 1400 to 1900, Akan smiths Read More …

Akan Goldweights and the Symbolism of Akan Proverbs in West African Culture

The Akan goldweights, also known as mrammou, hold a rich cultural and historical significance for the Akan people of West Africa. These brass weights were not merely tools for measurement, but symbols of status, prosperity, and wisdom. They were utilized Read More …

Akan Goldweights and the Trans-Saharan Trade: A History of Brass-Casting Techniques

The Akan people, known for their rich cultural heritage, ingeniously utilized the lost-wax technique to craft intricate brass-cast weights that played a crucial role in the economic exchanges revolving around gold. While the exact origins of this weight convention remain Read More …