Antique Ashanti Brass Goldweight – Geometric Lost Wax Cast

Antique Ashanti Brass Goldweight – Geometric Lost Wax Cast

Discover a remarkable piece of West African heritage with this antique Ashanti (Asante) goldweight, dating back to the 1800s. Meticulously crafted using the traditional lost wax casting technique, this geometric brass weight exemplifies the artistry and precision of the Ashanti people of Ghana.

The goldweight features a rich, dark patina, indicative of its age and use in historical trade practices. Such weights were essential tools in the Ashanti economy, used to measure gold dust the primary currency of the time.

Dimensions:

• Length: 16 mm
• Width: 11 mm
• Height: 7 mm
• Weight: 8.4 grams

This piece is in very good condition, with minor wear consistent with its historical use, adding to its authenticity and charm.

Historical Significance of Ashanti Goldweights

Goldweights, known locally as mrammou or abrammuo, were integral to the Ashanti's sophisticated trade system. Crafted from brass, these weights were used alongside scales to measure gold dust, facilitating fair and standardized transactions. The Ashanti developed a complex system of weights, with over 60 different values, ensuring precision in trade.

Beyond their practical use, goldweights held cultural significance. They often depicted geometric patterns, animals, or symbols representing proverbs and moral lessons, reflecting the rich oral traditions of the Ashanti people.

The Lost Wax Casting Technique

The lost wax method, or cire perdue, is an ancient casting process used by the Ashanti to create intricate brass objects. The process involves sculpting a model in beeswax, encasing it in a clay mold, and then heating it to melt away the wax, leaving a cavity into which molten brass is poured. Once cooled, the mold is broken to reveal the final piece. This technique allows for detailed and unique creations, as each mold is destroyed after casting.

Embrace a piece of history with this authentic Ashanti goldweight, a testament to the ingenuity and cultural richness of Ghana's Ashanti people.

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