This incredibly intricate, miniature depiction of a drum archives and immortalises an eighteenth-century Akan musical instrument in brass. The goldsmith has taken incredible care to cast the tiny details of rope patterning which decorate the instrument's body, as well as the rope design of the drum's handle. A spiral shape features at the head of the drum, and below, even the strings that attached the drumhead to the body of the instrument have been carefully cast.
For examples of Akan gold weights depicting drums, which come in a variety of styles, refer to page 128 and 129 of Tom Phillip's book, 'African Goldweights: Miniature Sculptures from Ghana 1400-1900'.
Estimated Period: 18th Century
Height: 2.5cm
Width: 2cm
Reference
Tom Phillips, 'African Goldweights: Miniature Sculptures from Ghana 1400-1900' (2010), pp. 128-129.
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