Akan weights, also known as gold weights, are intricately crafted brass objects originating from the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast.
Historically used from the 15th to the 19th century, these weights were employed in the gold trade, a vital part of the Akan economy.
Each weight, depicting animals, human figures, and geometric shapes, holds cultural significance, symbolizing proverbs and traditional wisdom.
The Akan people of Ivory Coast, primarily from the Baoulé subgroup, migrated from present-day Ghana in the 18th century.
Today, Akan weights are cherished artifacts, representing the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the Akan civilization in West Africa.