Weights to weigh the gold. Elephant. - Abrammouo. - Akan - Ghana/Ivory Coast (No reserve price)
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Original bronze Akan weight for weighing gold, named Abrammouo, titled Poids à peser l'or. Eléphant., from Ghana/Côte d'Ivoire, provenance Collection privée, authentic/original, dimensions 4.6 × 2.2 × 5.8 cm, weight 83 g, condition Bon état, sold with no stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
The Akan weights for weighing gold powder — used since the 13th century — called abrammouo (singular) and mrammuo (plural), are divided into two categories: geometric weights with symbolic motifs associated with proverbs, and figurative weights carrying messages inspired by flora, fauna, humans and their artifacts.
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 - L'univers akan des poids à peser l'or, volume II, pp. 76-78.
This weight represents an elephant with its trunk raised. The elephant is considered the king of animals, named the 'axe-breaker'. The associated motto is: "the forest alone can swallow the elephant." The aforementioned work, Volume III, p. 176.
Note the deliberate absence of the left ear (no signs of breakage), which perhaps implies a particular meaning.
Brown patina for everyday use.
Height 4.6 cm x width 2.2 cm x length 5.8 cm; Weight 83 g
Sent by Colissimo registered.
The Akan weights for weighing gold powder — used since the 13th century — called abrammouo (singular) and mrammuo (plural), are divided into two categories: geometric weights with symbolic motifs associated with proverbs, and figurative weights carrying messages inspired by flora, fauna, humans and their artifacts.
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 - L'univers akan des poids à peser l'or, volume II, pp. 76-78.
This weight represents an elephant with its trunk raised. The elephant is considered the king of animals, named the 'axe-breaker'. The associated motto is: "the forest alone can swallow the elephant." The aforementioned work, Volume III, p. 176.
Note the deliberate absence of the left ear (no signs of breakage), which perhaps implies a particular meaning.
Brown patina for everyday use.
Height 4.6 cm x width 2.2 cm x length 5.8 cm; Weight 83 g
Sent by Colissimo registered.
Details
Indigenous object name
Abrammouo.
Ethnic group/ culture
Akan
Country of Origin
Ghana/Ivory Coast
Material
Bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Weights to weigh the gold. Elephant.
Height
4.6 cm
Width
2.2 cm
Depth
5.8 cm
Weight
83 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
