Weights to measure figurative gold. Naive pigeons. - Abrammouo - Akan - Côte d'Ivoire (No Reserve Price)

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Julien Gauthier
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Selected by Julien Gauthier

With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 140 - € 170
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Poids à peser l'or figuratif. Pigeons roussards., an Akan bronze weight from Côte d'Ivoire with provenance Collection privée.

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Description from the seller

Akan weights used to measure gold powder—employed since the 13th century—called abrammouo in singular and mrammuo in 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 depending on the amount of brass or copper used in the alloy with tin. According to G. Niangoran-Bouah - The Akan universe of gold weighing scales, volume II, pages 76-78.

This weight depicts three Guinean roussard pigeons aligned side by side. The heads of the two pigeons on the right and left — which seem to be holding a worm in their beak — are turned towards the central pigeon whose head is raised. Beautiful composition.

The Akan distinguish three groups of birds: 1- The birds of the air - Owlalumin - which rarely touch the ground and perch in trees (eagle, hornbill, turaco, pigeons, doves...).
2- Ground birds - Ahalumin - which include those that peck at the ground (mainly backyard poultry, partridges...). 3- Water birds - Asoalumin - referring to waterfowl and wading birds.

Height 2.2 cm x Width 4.2 cm x Length 3 cm Weight 34 g

Used copper patina. Traces of verdigris.

Send via registered Colissimo.

Akan weights used to measure gold powder—employed since the 13th century—called abrammouo in singular and mrammuo in 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 depending on the amount of brass or copper used in the alloy with tin. According to G. Niangoran-Bouah - The Akan universe of gold weighing scales, volume II, pages 76-78.

This weight depicts three Guinean roussard pigeons aligned side by side. The heads of the two pigeons on the right and left — which seem to be holding a worm in their beak — are turned towards the central pigeon whose head is raised. Beautiful composition.

The Akan distinguish three groups of birds: 1- The birds of the air - Owlalumin - which rarely touch the ground and perch in trees (eagle, hornbill, turaco, pigeons, doves...).
2- Ground birds - Ahalumin - which include those that peck at the ground (mainly backyard poultry, partridges...). 3- Water birds - Asoalumin - referring to waterfowl and wading birds.

Height 2.2 cm x Width 4.2 cm x Length 3 cm Weight 34 g

Used copper patina. Traces of verdigris.

Send via registered Colissimo.

Details

Indigenous object name
Abrammouo
Ethnic group/ culture
Akan
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Period
Early 20th century
Material
Bronze
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Weights to measure figurative gold. Naive pigeons.
Height
2.2 cm
Width
4.2 cm
Depth
3 cm
Weight
34 g
Provenance
Private collection
Sold by
FranceVerified
675
Objects sold
100%
Private

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