Weights to weigh the gold

The Akan weights for weighing gold powder — used since the 13th century — called abrammouo (singular) and mrammuo (plural), are divided into two categories: geometric weights with symbolic motifs associated with proverbs, and figurative weights carrying messages inspired by flora, fauna, humans and their artifacts. They are cast in bronze using the lost-wax process. Their color varies according to the amount of brass or copper used in the alloy with tin. According to G. Niangoran-Bouah - L'univers akan des poids à peser l'or, volume II, pp. 76-78. This weight represents an elephant with its trunk raised. The elephant is considered the king of animals, named the 'axe-breaker'. The associated motto is: "the forest alone can swallow the elephant." The aforementioned work, Volume III, p. 176. Note the deliberate absence of the left ear (no signs of breakage), which perhaps implies a particular meaning. Brown patina for everyday use. Height 4.6 cm x width 2.2 cm x length 5.8 cm; Weight 83 g Sent by Colissimo registered.

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