ASHANTI FIGURAL GOLD WEIGHT, BATTLE AXE C.1900, ex: Sir Cecil Armitage Collection

Formed as a horn or trumpet with two bell ends, folded on itself. They represent proverbs that were integral to the Ashanti culture. Redundancy and interdependence as suggested here were common themes. Just under 2” (1.96”) length. Gold dust was the currency of the slave and ivory trade. These weights were used on balance beam scales to measure it for transactions. After an exemplary military career in Africa, Sir Cecil Armitage was made Governor of Gambia (1921-27). He was fascinated by the arts of East Africa, particularly those cast in bronze and formed a collection, largely related to the gold weights and containers which served the slave trade at that time. With certificate of authenticity.