West Africa, Ghana, Ashanti (Asante) people, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. This is an adorable cast brass crocodilian creature with a fish in his jaws that was used as a weight for gold measurements. The crocodile is stylized, and supported by four curved legs as well as a straight tail. The tail features small spikes, and his skin is incised to give the semblance of scaly skin. The head is elongated with circular eyes and a narrow snout that holds the fish. Gold was a major export for the west African coast and weights such as this example, came in a variety of imaginative shapes and animal forms; most kits contained up to 40 different weights. A wonderful piece, ideal for any reptile enthusiast! Size: 5" L x 1.5" W (12.7 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#152152

Some minor casting flaws and one tail spike is bent outward, otherwise intact and excellent. Light mineral deposits and patina.