Goldweight Depicting a Warrior with a Prisoner
Asante, Ghana
Bronze
Late 19th / early 20th century

Goldweights were produced as part of the goldsmith’s trade over a period of five centuries. They eventually became objects of general and daily use while still remaining items of prestige. While used practically for weighing purchases of gold dust, they also carry proverbial associations (Phillips, African Goldweights, 2010).

This scene of a warrior with a gun and a cartridge belt escorting a prisoner is very elaborate and detailed. While uncommon, this scene has been depicted on other goldweights. Some associated proverbs are:

- When you have a just reason for seizing a man and killing him, you do not hurt him by doing so (Kolb, Ashanti Goldweights and Senufo Bronzes, 1970).

- It is only when a gun has a man to cock it, that it performs warlike deeds (Kolb).

- The cartidge belt of Akouwua (a celebrated warrior) has never been known to lack bullets (Kolb). 

2.125 in :: 5.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2727

Price on Request