Custodian: University of Glasgow Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery

Reference: GLAHM E.1931.7/112

Goldweights were the measuring system used by the Akan people of West Africa, including the Ashanti or Asante, often to weigh gold dust which was used historically as currency. The weights are usually made of brass and their weight is based on the Islamic ounce. They often take the form of stylised humans, animals or other items from everyday life, such as this crocodile with worm, or of Adinkra symbols. Locally the goldweights are known as Abrammuo or mrammou.

The Hunterian Museum has a collection of over 300 goldweights.

Maker: not known

Materials: brass

Dimensions: 59mmm