Title:
Bronze Goldweight, Mud Skipper
Object Name:
Figure, Goldweight, Bronze
Other Name:
Goldweight, Bronze, Mud Skipper
Place of Origin:
Asante, Ghana, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 1—1/2"
W = 3"
D = 2—1/2"
The extent of the gold trade among the Akan people encouraged the use of brass and bronze gold—weights which are cast using the "lost—wax" process and have geometric or figurative shapes. Western scholars have identified two major periods of gold—weight production.
The first period dates from 1400 to 1720 and is thought to have been the result of influence of traders from the Mali empire. These weights are thick and usually geometrically shaped. Figurative weights are rare. They are large in size (7—10 cm.) and usually lack detail.
Weights produced during the second period date from 1720 to 1930. They are either geometric or figurative and show a greater variety of shape and detail. For example, animals, proverbs, or more simply, people doing everyday activities, have been represented.
Bacquart, P. 33
H = 1—1/2"
W = 3"
D = 2—1/2"
The extent of the gold trade among the Akan people encouraged the use of brass and bronze gold—weights which are cast using the "lost—wax" process and have geometric or figurative shapes. Western scholars have identified two major periods of gold—weight production.
The first period dates from 1400 to 1720 and is thought to have been the result of influence of traders from the Mali empire. These weights are thick and usually geometrically shaped. Figurative weights are rare. They are large in size (7—10 cm.) and usually lack detail.
Weights produced during the second period date from 1720 to 1930. They are either geometric or figurative and show a greater variety of shape and detail. For example, animals, proverbs, or more simply, people doing everyday activities, have been represented.
Bacquart, P. 33
Description:
Lost wax cast, bronze goldweight. Mud Skipper figure. Large catfish—like head, large lips, two small round protruding eyes atop back center of head. Large fin on right side, small fin on left side. Tail coiled around left side, attached to left side of head, behind left fin. Fin on top of upper back area. Multi—colored oxidation over entire surface. From white to light green, to a tannish brown color.
Collection:
Finley Collection
Material:
Bronze
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Lost Wax Cast
Owned:
Art Department, Missouri Southern State University
Accession#:
2014.1.103
Click to Enlarge
Front View
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View
Front View
Right Side View
Left Side View
Rear View