Scales consist of a metal rod (part a) and two metal pans (parts b and c). Rod has metal hooks attached to each end from which the pans would suspend. and cotton fibre tied to the middle . Tied to one pan (part b) are three strands of cotton fibre that suspends the pan from the rod hook. Pans have incised circle design with dot in the centre on the convex and concave sides.

• History Of Use

  Used to weigh powdered gold (gold dust). In exchanges of gold dust, both buyer and seller would weigh it on their own pair of scales, to ensure fairness. Due to the difficulty of handling gold dust, boys would train how to manage it by practicing with miniature scales. These scales were an integral part of any futuo (gold weight set). When not in use, the futuo would be carefully protected, rarely leaving the owner's possession. It was believed a part of a trader's kra (soul) was contained within the package, and so would often be included in the purification ceremony during the annual Odwira festival.

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• Type of Item scale
• Culture Asante
• Material bronze metal, cotton fibre, plant fibre
• Measurements height 0.4 cm, width 11.4 cm, depth 1.1 cm (part a) height 0.5 cm, diameter 4.5 cm (part b) height 0.6 cm, diameter 4.5 cm (part c)

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• Previous Owner Alan R. Sawyer, Erika H. Sawyer
• Received from Erika H. Sawyer, Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget

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• Made in Ghana

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• Ownership Date before 2002, before April 16, 2014
• Acquisition Date on April 16, 2014

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• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3055/0207 a-c