**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Ghana, Ashanti culture, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A collection of 8 cast brass weights known as abrammuo for measuring gold that are a remarkable variety of shapes, including two fish! The largest is a disc shaped sun bust shape with linear patterning. The 4 cast with spiraling wire and hemispherical discs, are a very popular style of the Ashanti people. The larger fish has a flat representation with a curved beak like mouth, folded wire fins, and stamped scales. The other is a mudfish with a sinuous curved tail and whiskers. The reason for such intricate weights is that they were not only utilitarian tools to regulate trade, but also served as markers of status and the specific forms represented stories of proverbs, reminders, and oral history guides. These teaching symbols were known as Adinkra, and the mudfish was associated with the proverb "when the mudfish swallows anything, it does so for its master," meaning that when the common man prospers, so does his leader. Size of largest: 2.3" Diameter (5.8 cm)

Provenance: private Southern California collection, California, USA, acquired through descent 2006; ex-private California collection, USA, before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#134017

Losses to much fish tail and softening of details, with surface abrasions and heavy patina. Loss to outer wire on largest fish. Minor nicks to other weights, but intact and very good. Toning and patina throughout.