Weights for weighing figurative gold. Python snake. - Abrammouo - Akan - Côte d'Ivoire

Weights for weighing figurative gold. Python snake. - Abrammouo - Akan - Côte d'Ivoire #1.0
Weights for weighing figurative gold. Python snake. - Abrammouo - Akan - Côte d'Ivoire #1.0
Weights for weighing figurative gold. Python snake. - Abrammouo - Akan - Côte d'Ivoire #2.1
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Julien Gauthier
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Bronze Akan weight for weighing gold, titled Poids à peser l'or figuratif. Serpent python; origin Côte d’Ivoire; provenance Private collection; Akan; indigenous name Abrammouo; dimensions 1.5 cm high × 2 cm wide × 4.8 cm deep; weight 29 g; condition good.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

The Akan weights for weighing gold powder - used since the 13th century - named abrammouo in the singular and mrammuo in the plural, are divided into two categories: geometric weights with symbolic motifs associated with proverbs and figurative weights bearing messages inspired by flora, fauna, humans and their artefacts.
They are cast in bronze using the lost-wax process. Their color varies according to the amount of brass or copper used in the alloy with tin. According to G. Niangoran-Bouah - The Akan Universe of Weights for Weighing Gold, Volume II, pages 76-78.

This weight represents a coiled python. According to the aforementioned author - Volume III, page 219 - this weight corresponds to the maxim: "When you kill an elephant, it is with a boa constrictor’s pad that you must carry it." The elephant is regarded as the king of mammals and the boa as the king of snakes by their sizes. This maxim means that when one offends a chief; it is through the mediation of a person of the same social rank that one earns forgiveness for the fault. A specimen of this weight is published on page 219 (cf. last photo).

Height 1.5 cm x Width 2 cm x Length 4.8 cm Weight 29 g

Patina of use.

Shipped by tracked Colissimo.

Translated Show original

The Akan weights for weighing gold powder - used since the 13th century - named abrammouo in the singular and mrammuo in the plural, are divided into two categories: geometric weights with symbolic motifs associated with proverbs and figurative weights bearing messages inspired by flora, fauna, humans and their artefacts.
They are cast in bronze using the lost-wax process. Their color varies according to the amount of brass or copper used in the alloy with tin. According to G. Niangoran-Bouah - The Akan Universe of Weights for Weighing Gold, Volume II, pages 76-78.

This weight represents a coiled python. According to the aforementioned author - Volume III, page 219 - this weight corresponds to the maxim: "When you kill an elephant, it is with a boa constrictor’s pad that you must carry it." The elephant is regarded as the king of mammals and the boa as the king of snakes by their sizes. This maxim means that when one offends a chief; it is through the mediation of a person of the same social rank that one earns forgiveness for the fault. A specimen of this weight is published on page 219 (cf. last photo).

Height 1.5 cm x Width 2 cm x Length 4.8 cm Weight 29 g

Patina of use.

Shipped by tracked Colissimo.

Translated Show original

Details

Indigenous object name
Abrammouo
Ethnic group/ culture
Akan
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Weights for weighing figurative gold. Python snake.
Height
1.5 cm
Width
2 cm
Depth
4.8 cm
Weight
29 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
sasurejo
FranceVerified
721
Objects sold
98.04%
304
Reviews
Private

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