Weights to weigh the figurative gold. Two birds. - Abrammouo. - Akan - Ghana/Ivory Coast
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Current bid
€ 60
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €60 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €50 | |
| €45 | |
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Description from the seller
Akan weights for weighing gold dust—used from as early as the 13th century—called 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 that convey messages and draw inspiration from flora, fauna, people, 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.
The Akans distinguish three groups of birds: 1—Air birds, Owlalumin, which rarely touch the ground and perch in trees (eagles, hornbills, turacos, pigeons, doves...)
2—Ground birds, Ahalumin, which include those that peck at the ground (mainly domestic poultry, partridges...) 3—Water birds, Asoalumin, which refers to web-footed and wading birds.
1) The first weight represents an egret.
Height 4 cm X 1.8 cm X 4.2 cm Weight 32 g
2) This weight represents a large ibis-like wading bird, with its wings folded and its head slightly raised.
Patina from use.
Height 5.5 cm X width 2.2 cm X length 6.2 cm Weight 57 g
Sent by registered Colissimo.
Akan weights for weighing gold dust—used from as early as the 13th century—called 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 that convey messages and draw inspiration from flora, fauna, people, 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.
The Akans distinguish three groups of birds: 1—Air birds, Owlalumin, which rarely touch the ground and perch in trees (eagles, hornbills, turacos, pigeons, doves...)
2—Ground birds, Ahalumin, which include those that peck at the ground (mainly domestic poultry, partridges...) 3—Water birds, Asoalumin, which refers to web-footed and wading birds.
1) The first weight represents an egret.
Height 4 cm X 1.8 cm X 4.2 cm Weight 32 g
2) This weight represents a large ibis-like wading bird, with its wings folded and its head slightly raised.
Patina from use.
Height 5.5 cm X width 2.2 cm X length 6.2 cm Weight 57 g
Sent by registered Colissimo.
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 figurative gold. Two birds.
Height
5.5 cm
Width
2.2 cm
Depth
6.2 cm
Weight
57 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
