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

Bronze, 2 ¼” (2.23”) modeled as two cords, one single section, the other double forming a square knot. The difference probably represents male/female. The ends of the cords are bound. These weights were originally used to measure gold for transactions. They represent proverbs that were integral to the Ashanti culture and later, were exchanged as gifts. Common themes were the benefits of family and unity. The proverb for this example may possibly be findable on the internet.