Bronze Ashanti Geometric Gold Weight, C.1890

From the Sir Cecil Armitage Collection. Dating to the second half of the 19th century to early 20th, geometric gold weights were used to weigh gold dust which was the currency of the Ashanti, used largely for the purchase of slaves. These geometric forms, now widely replicated (including those offered in museum shops which came from us), are the originals from the famous collection of Sir Cecil Armitage, Governor of Gambia (1921-27) after an exemplary military career in Africa. This example is a rhomboid, over 1/2" in length with the ends notched. One end with a brass wire to bring the weight up to standard. Wear from use and good patina.