Gold Dust Boxes and Spoon, Ghana
Gold Dust Boxes and Spoon, Ghana
Asante, Akan People, Ghana and Ivory Coast, Africa
Bronze (copper alloy)
19th C.
#X100 Large Gold Dust Box: $750
Dimensions: 2.375 x .75 x 1 in./ 6 x 2 x 2.5 cm#X101 Gold Dust Spoon: $300
Dimensions: 5 x 1 in./ 12.5 x 2.5 cm#X102 Small Gold Dust Box: $495
Dimensions: 1.5 x .875 x .375 in./ 4 x 2.25 x 1 cm
Gold was plentiful and relatively easy to unearth in the area now known as the Republic of Ghana. Local goldsmiths manufactured weights, scoops, spoons, scales, and boxes for storing gold (nuggets and dust) to facilitate trade.
The boxes doubled as a weight for larger purchases. Most adult men owned a set of weights, often inherited, and knew the value of each weight.
Beginning in the 14th century, the Akan peoples of the former African Gold Coast used gold as currency. By the middle of the 18th century, gold had become the primary medium of exchange until the British introduced paper currency in 1899.
Domestic shipping included. International shipping is quoted separately.
