Antique Akan Monkey Goldweight – Ghana or Ivory Coast 19th Century

Description

Antique Akan Monkey Goldweight B2727RBIJ

This antique Akan monkey goldweight is a rare figurative object originating from Ghana or Ivory Coast and dating from the 19th century.

Goldweights were used with small balances to weigh gold dust, an important medium of exchange throughout the Akan regions of West Africa. In addition to their practical function, figurative weights often referred to animals, traditional stories and Akan proverbs.

An Expressive Zoomorphic Sculpture

The monkey is represented in a compact crouching position, with its head lowered and its remarkably long arms and legs arranged around the body. This simplified yet powerful composition gives the sculpture a distinctive presence despite its small dimensions.

The modelling is entirely handmade and displays the slight asymmetry and irregularities associated with traditional lost-wax casting.

Traditional Lost-Wax Casting

The figure was cast in a copper alloy, traditionally described as bronze or brass. Its surface retains a deep brown-to-black patina, together with green oxidation, deposits and naturally polished areas resulting from age and handling.

No aggressive cleaning has been undertaken, allowing the historical surface and character of the object to remain intact.

Details

• Culture: Akan

• Origin: Ghana or Ivory Coast

• Period: 19th century

• Subject: crouching monkey

• Function: gold-dust weight

• Material: copper alloy

• Technique: lost-wax casting

• Height: 6 cm

• Weight: 70 g

• Provenance: old private collection formed during the colonial period

Condition

Good overall antique condition. Natural surface wear, casting irregularities, deposits and areas of oxidation consistent with age and traditional use. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the description.

A characterful example of Akan metalwork combining a practical function with highly expressive zoomorphic sculpture.