West African Gold Dust Scale from Ghana

West African hand-held gold dust balance scale made from brass and copper alloy. The Ashanti tribe used gold dust and nuggets as a medium of exchange. The gold was weighed using these simple pan scales with small brass weights.

Note: this piece includes the scale, original chains holding the metal pans, a detachable chain originally used to hang the scale (see picture) and a new base for decorative purposes only.  A new custom acrylic stand has been made for this piece with a black base and a clear balancing rod. 

This scale would complement a variety of interiors from Traditional to Modern and a variety of spaces from a great room to a study or an office in a commercial setting. 

Place of Origin: Ghana 

Date of Manufacture: early-20th Century

Condition: Very Good

Wear: Consistent with age. Please refer to pictures.

Dimensions:

Scale: 11 in. H X 12 in. W X 4 in. D / Base: 8.5 in. L X 4 in. W X 1 in. H

Total: 14 in. H

Reference: Spurlock Museum at the University of Illinois, Penn Museum at The University of Pennsylvania, and the Brooklyn Museum