Rarely weighing the figurative gold. Porcupine. - Abrammouo - Akan - Côte d'Ivoire
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€ 75
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Bronze abrammouo figurative weight for weighing gold, titled Rare poids à peser l'or figuratif. Porc-épic., from the Akan of Côte d'Ivoire, early 20th century, provenance Collection privée, in good condition and without a stand.
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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 represents a porcupine. The Agni people's proverb associated with it is: 'Kôtôkô (porcupine) invited to go to Krinjabo; at the same time, êkpinzè (hedgehog) rises and says
Krinjabo is the capital of the Sanwi kingdom. Among the Agni, the porcupine is considered the uncle of the hedgehog: the latter owes it obedience and respect. 'This proverb is used to describe an individual who, in good faith, is unaware of their responsibilities and adopts a neutral attitude in a matter that should concern them particularly.' (Page 202, Vol iii, aforementioned work).
Height 4 cm x Width 1.2 cm x Length 5.2 cm Weight 56 g
Patina of use
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 represents a porcupine. The Agni people's proverb associated with it is: 'Kôtôkô (porcupine) invited to go to Krinjabo; at the same time, êkpinzè (hedgehog) rises and says
Krinjabo is the capital of the Sanwi kingdom. Among the Agni, the porcupine is considered the uncle of the hedgehog: the latter owes it obedience and respect. 'This proverb is used to describe an individual who, in good faith, is unaware of their responsibilities and adopts a neutral attitude in a matter that should concern them particularly.' (Page 202, Vol iii, aforementioned work).
Height 4 cm x Width 1.2 cm x Length 5.2 cm Weight 56 g
Patina of use
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
Rarely weighing the figurative gold. Porcupine.
Height
3.4 cm
Width
2 cm
Depth
7.2 cm
Weight
72 g
Provenance
Private collection
