The surface of the weight is smooth and worn, the casting is very fine showing minimal details apart from the outlines of the fins and tail. Gold weights depicting fish are of the rarer type of animal or aquatic life.
Similar examples of fish weights can be seen on p.158 - p.160 Tom Phillips' publication, 'African Goldweights: Miniature Sculptures from Ghana 1400 - 1900' and are described as 18th/19th century, with some dating to the 17th century. The surface of this particular weight suggests that it would likely be 18th century.
Ex Private Collection, Germany
Length: 58mm
Height: 30mm
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