We are pleased to bring you from the renown author, collector and African art dealer Ladislas Segy, founder of the world famous Segy Gallery in New York, a collection of authentic Ashanti goldweights. Mr. Segy is author of such noted African art reference books as "African Sculpture Speaks and The Masks of Black Africa". This offering is sponsered by Mr.& Mrs. Paul Calfayan. Each gold weight is over fifty years old. Authentication papers are included with each purchase, enjoy! Iron, brass and cowry shells were the first forms of Ashanti currency; all in time replaced by gold dust. Gold had a sacred significance among the Akan (ancestors of the Ashanti)and was considered to be the symbol of the kra, or soul, of Nyame, the supreme deity. Seeds were originally used to weigh gold but eventually they were replaced by small standardized weights of cast brass and other copper alloys. Akan weights known as abramo, were employed to measure dust or nuggets of gold in economic transactions, levies and fines. The earliest weights (around 1600) showed simple fans or swords or geometrical shapes such as circles, squares and pyramids. More complex 3 dimensional and figurative work with animals and humans were cast from 1700-1900. Ashanti goldweight images often expressed social proverbs and values. These items have great value as art objects and as bearers of old traditional lore. They are sought after by collectors and kept as family heirlooms. Please click title for a full description and larger photo of selected item. Check Warehouse for new arrivals! |