Box - Bronze - Gold Dust Box 19 th.
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Akan/Ashanti gold dust box (Abamphruwa) from Ghana, dating to the 19th century, cast in brass or bronze with a lid decorated by stylised bird figures, weighing about 180 g and measuring roughly 70 × 35 × 40 mm.
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Description from the seller
Akan / Ashanti Gold Dust Box (Abamphruwa) with Bird Figures – Ghana – 19th / Early 20th Century
A traditional Akan / Ashanti gold dust box (Abamphruwa / Adakawa) from Ghana, West Africa, cast in brass or bronze using the traditional lost-wax technique (cire perdue).
These small containers formed part of the traditional Akan gold-trading system. They were used for storing precious gold dust and small gold particles, which historically served as a form of currency and wealth among the Akan and particularly within the Asante Kingdom.
The removable lid is especially attractive and elaborately decorated with several three-dimensional stylised bird figures, arranged within a geometric framework. Birds occupy an important place in Akan visual culture and are frequently associated with traditional proverbs and symbolic meanings.
The entire box is individually cast and shows the characteristic irregularities of traditional lost-wax production. The surface has developed an attractive aged brown-golden patina with small areas of oxidation and traces of use.
The underside of the lid retains the raised fitting which allows it to sit securely within the box.
Culture: Akan / Ashanti (Asante)
Object: Gold dust box – Abamphruwa / Adakawa
Origin: Ghana, West Africa
Period: 19th – early 20th century
Material: Brass / bronze, copper alloy
Technique: Lost-wax casting (cire perdue)
Decoration: Stylised bird figures
Dimensions: approx. 70 × 35 × 40 mm
Weight: approx. 180 g
Condition: Good condition considering its age and traditional use. Visible patina, oxidation, casting irregularities and signs of wear. Some of the small bird figures and decorative elements show age-related wear and minor losses. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
An interesting and highly decorative example of the traditional Akan gold-dust culture and West African metalworking.
Akan / Ashanti Gold Dust Box (Abamphruwa) with Bird Figures – Ghana – 19th / Early 20th Century
A traditional Akan / Ashanti gold dust box (Abamphruwa / Adakawa) from Ghana, West Africa, cast in brass or bronze using the traditional lost-wax technique (cire perdue).
These small containers formed part of the traditional Akan gold-trading system. They were used for storing precious gold dust and small gold particles, which historically served as a form of currency and wealth among the Akan and particularly within the Asante Kingdom.
The removable lid is especially attractive and elaborately decorated with several three-dimensional stylised bird figures, arranged within a geometric framework. Birds occupy an important place in Akan visual culture and are frequently associated with traditional proverbs and symbolic meanings.
The entire box is individually cast and shows the characteristic irregularities of traditional lost-wax production. The surface has developed an attractive aged brown-golden patina with small areas of oxidation and traces of use.
The underside of the lid retains the raised fitting which allows it to sit securely within the box.
Culture: Akan / Ashanti (Asante)
Object: Gold dust box – Abamphruwa / Adakawa
Origin: Ghana, West Africa
Period: 19th – early 20th century
Material: Brass / bronze, copper alloy
Technique: Lost-wax casting (cire perdue)
Decoration: Stylised bird figures
Dimensions: approx. 70 × 35 × 40 mm
Weight: approx. 180 g
Condition: Good condition considering its age and traditional use. Visible patina, oxidation, casting irregularities and signs of wear. Some of the small bird figures and decorative elements show age-related wear and minor losses. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
An interesting and highly decorative example of the traditional Akan gold-dust culture and West African metalworking.
Details
Era
1400-1900
Weight
180 g
Title additional information
Gold Dust Box 19 th.
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Ghana
Material
Bronze
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
40 mm
Width
70 mm
Depth
35 cm
Estimated period
1850-1900
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