Two weights to weigh the gold. Birds. - Abrammouo. - Akan - Ghana/Ivory Coast
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days
15
hours
39
minutes
56
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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 since 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 bearing messages inspired by 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 Akan distinguish three groups of birds: 1- Birds of the air—Owlalumin—which rarely touch the ground and perch in trees (eagles, hornbills, turacos, pigeons, doves...)
2- Birds of the ground—Ahalumin—which include those that peck on the ground (mainly poultry, partridges...) 3- Birds of the water—Asoalumin—which refers to web-footed birds and waders.
1) This weight depicts a female guinea fowl with her chick.
Height 3 cm X width 2.8 cm X depth 3.8 cm Weight 35 g
2) This weight depicts a dove-like bird perched atop a three-tier pyramid.
Height 3 cm X width 2.8 cm X depth 3.8 cm Weight 35 g
2.2 cm X 2.9 X 3 cm Weight 24 g
Age-related patina.
Sent by registered Colissimo.
Akan weights for weighing gold dust—used since 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 bearing messages inspired by 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 Akan distinguish three groups of birds: 1- Birds of the air—Owlalumin—which rarely touch the ground and perch in trees (eagles, hornbills, turacos, pigeons, doves...)
2- Birds of the ground—Ahalumin—which include those that peck on the ground (mainly poultry, partridges...) 3- Birds of the water—Asoalumin—which refers to web-footed birds and waders.
1) This weight depicts a female guinea fowl with her chick.
Height 3 cm X width 2.8 cm X depth 3.8 cm Weight 35 g
2) This weight depicts a dove-like bird perched atop a three-tier pyramid.
Height 3 cm X width 2.8 cm X depth 3.8 cm Weight 35 g
2.2 cm X 2.9 X 3 cm Weight 24 g
Age-related patina.
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
Two weights to weigh the gold. Birds.
Height
3 cm
Width
2.8 cm
Depth
3.8 cm
Weight
35 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
