Weighed in the Balance: Akan Gold Weights

Sponsored by Mallory Alexander & the Honorary Consul of Canada in Memphis, B. Lee Mallory

From the Canadian Museum of Making, comes an exhibition of Akan gold weights. Prior to the 20th century most people engaging in commerce and the trade of gold in Ghana, particularly the Akan people, owned scales and a set of small, decorated weights to conduct business. Though identified as gold, they were actually a copper alloy whose forms developed from simple geometric shapes to complex figurative sculptures.

Geometric weights came into use as early as the 1400s, probably as a result of contact with Islamic traders. Figurative weights came into use in an astonishing display of innovation and creativity sometime in the 1700s. Bronze casters exhibited their skills by creating an extraordinary variety of human and animal forms as well as everyday objects.

Often called "masterpieces in miniature" these small, figurative weights served commerce and the trade of gold while giving visual form to proverbs reflecting Akan social and moral values.

There will be an opening reception in conjunction with our Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 11, 12-5pm. The event will feature hands-on activities, holiday music by pianist Hayley Roth, refreshments and holiday items on sale in the Museum Store.

We will be hosting a free day in conjunction with this exhibition on Saturday February 11.

Weighed in the Balance: Akan Gold Weights from the Canadian Museum of Making Collection will be on display at the Metal Museum (Dec. 9, 2011 - March 4, 2012).