With special thanks to 'stellatebronze' for asking about Tom Phillips new book
on Goldweights. I bought the book, then I dug out my goldweight collection and
have included photos (not of Phillips quality) of the pieces for the groups
enjoyment:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/564328364/pic/list

A few opinions.

# 1 Goldweights are a great collection, they are unique, interesting, take up
very little volume, and old authentic pieces are still available thru gallerys,
dealers,  auctions and African Runners alike. Prices can vary from $10 for small
geometrics to $100+ for authentic figurative. Note also that the figurative's
are also reproduced both new and 'enhanced' (painted. added ring for a 'charm
bracelet'), but not so much with the geometric's.

# 2 I have never understood how a geometric and any figurative gold weight was
used to actually weigh gold dust. Most weights I have used on a balance beam
scale is 'calibrated' to specific weights (1 gram, 2 grams, etc), but
-especially the figurative's- are all different sizes and shapes. I have also
seen figurative's with pieces intentionally broken off to 'adjust' the weight,
and geometric's with lead (?) added to 'adjust' the weight, but I have no idea
what standard the weights are adjusted to meet. Any thoughts on that concept ?

# 3 It appears any object can be used as a goldweight, or any object from nature
(bugs, seeds, etc) used to cast a goldweight. My collection includes odd pieces
of brass 'things' used as goldweights. See the photos.

bob

For those interested, Tom Phillips is an artist and has a website at
http://tomphillips.co.uk/index.html

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "rpearsonpe" <rpearsonpe@...> wrote:
>
> With special thanks to 'stellatebronze' for asking about Tom Phillips new book
on Goldweights. I bought the book, then I dug out my goldweight collection and
have included photos (not of Phillips quality) of the pieces for the groups
enjoyment:
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/564328364/pic/list
>
> A few opinions.
>
> # 1 Goldweights are a great collection, they are unique, interesting, take up
very little volume, and old authentic pieces are still available thru gallerys,
dealers,  auctions and African Runners alike. Prices can vary from $10 for small
geometrics to $100+ for authentic figurative. Note also that the figurative's
are also reproduced both new and 'enhanced' (painted. added ring for a 'charm
bracelet'), but not so much with the geometric's.
>
> # 2 I have never understood how a geometric and any figurative gold weight was
used to actually weigh gold dust. Most weights I have used on a balance beam
scale is 'calibrated' to specific weights (1 gram, 2 grams, etc), but
-especially the figurative's- are all different sizes and shapes. I have also
seen figurative's with pieces intentionally broken off to 'adjust' the weight,
and geometric's with lead (?) added to 'adjust' the weight, but I have no idea
what standard the weights are adjusted to meet. Any thoughts on that concept ?
>
> # 3 It appears any object can be used as a goldweight, or any object from
nature (bugs, seeds, etc) used to cast a goldweight. My collection includes odd
pieces of brass 'things' used as goldweights. See the photos.
>
> bob
>

I will send some photo's of a selection of goldweights in my collection (almost
2000 pieces)
I'm still looking for good pieces to buy or for exchange
kind regards

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1966142130/pic/list

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "rpearsonpe" <rpearsonpe@...> wrote:
>
> With special thanks to 'stellatebronze' for asking about Tom Phillips new book
on Goldweights. I bought the book, then I dug out my goldweight collection and
have included photos (not of Phillips quality) of the pieces for the groups
enjoyment:
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/564328364/pic/list
>
> A few opinions.
>
> # 1 Goldweights are a great collection, they are unique, interesting, take up
very little volume, and old authentic pieces are still available thru gallerys,
dealers,  auctions and African Runners alike. Prices can vary from $10 for small
geometrics to $100+ for authentic figurative. Note also that the figurative's
are also reproduced both new and 'enhanced' (painted. added ring for a 'charm
bracelet'), but not so much with the geometric's.
>
> # 2 I have never understood how a geometric and any figurative gold weight was
used to actually weigh gold dust. Most weights I have used on a balance beam
scale is 'calibrated' to specific weights (1 gram, 2 grams, etc), but
-especially the figurative's- are all different sizes and shapes. I have also
seen figurative's with pieces intentionally broken off to 'adjust' the weight,
and geometric's with lead (?) added to 'adjust' the weight, but I have no idea
what standard the weights are adjusted to meet. Any thoughts on that concept ?
>
> # 3 It appears any object can be used as a goldweight, or any object from
nature (bugs, seeds, etc) used to cast a goldweight. My collection includes odd
pieces of brass 'things' used as goldweights. See the photos.
>
> bob
>

Hello, if you can find it TIMOTHY F GARRARD's book on AKAN WEIGHTS AND THE GOLD
TRADE is a tremendous resource. He also wrote an article called Myth &
METROLOGY: THE EARLY TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE in the Journal of African History 23
(4) 1982 pp 443-461. Garrard discusses the different gold-weight standards that
developed over the centuries of trans-Saharan trade, and explains in great
detail the traditions of casting goldweights.

I mentioned recently I chanced upon a collection of African art wherein the bulk
of the wood-carving was "made for trade", whereas the metal-work appeared quite
authentic, which was because of the a friendship between Garrad and the
collector. This collection included many, many goldweights. Parts of this
collection will be placed on auction at an auctionhouse named Sloans & Kenyon. I
will try a bit later to post images of the 20 or so items I purchased to give
you an idea of the quality of the metal items. Many of the pieces were taken by
the Smithsonian, and the rest the family is looking to sell.


--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "rpearsonpe" <rpearsonpe@...> wrote:
>
> With special thanks to 'stellatebronze' for asking about Tom Phillips new book
on Goldweights. I bought the book, then I dug out my goldweight collection and
have included photos (not of Phillips quality) of the pieces for the groups
enjoyment:
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/564328364/pic/list
>
> A few opinions.
>
> # 1 Goldweights are a great collection, they are unique, interesting, take up
very little volume, and old authentic pieces are still available thru gallerys,
dealers,  auctions and African Runners alike. Prices can vary from $10 for small
geometrics to $100+ for authentic figurative. Note also that the figurative's
are also reproduced both new and 'enhanced' (painted. added ring for a 'charm
bracelet'), but not so much with the geometric's.
>
> # 2 I have never understood how a geometric and any figurative gold weight was
used to actually weigh gold dust. Most weights I have used on a balance beam
scale is 'calibrated' to specific weights (1 gram, 2 grams, etc), but
-especially the figurative's- are all different sizes and shapes. I have also
seen figurative's with pieces intentionally broken off to 'adjust' the weight,
and geometric's with lead (?) added to 'adjust' the weight, but I have no idea
what standard the weights are adjusted to meet. Any thoughts on that concept ?
>
> # 3 It appears any object can be used as a goldweight, or any object from
nature (bugs, seeds, etc) used to cast a goldweight. My collection includes odd
pieces of brass 'things' used as goldweights. See the photos.
>
> bob
>

Hello group,
I just recently acquired 2 Lega statues. The first statue seems to have a four
legged stool for the base and the other piece has animal fur and skin on top of
its head. The skin is hammered with thin wooden nails to the head. I know that
Lega statues are used initiation ceremonies but that is about it. Also both
these pieces are very different so I'm wondering if or how they served
differently in the ceremonies.  I find that the Lega statue sitting on the
stool, the bottom does not have significant abrasion/friction so that makes me
wonder how this piece was used. Was it mostly carried, and if so did they keep
them wrapped in cloth or skin when not in use and therefore there isn't much
friction on the bottom of the piece? or is the piece just simply a new piece.
The patina of the neck however seems to be really smooth and "touched".
How did these statues actually play a role in the ceremonies and what do they
represent?
Answering these questions would not only help me greatly with authenticating the
pieces but also knowing exactly how they were used is part of the aesthetics in
African art I believe.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Khan

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1685330764/pic/list

For those readers who do not have access to Tom Phillips book, or even if you
do, the goldweight collection of  "mateusen1" is worth looking at. Many
figurative and geometrics. Good photos. Two thousand pieces!! A serious
collector !
Now if she/he would add brilliant descriptions, sizes, prices paid or price if
interested in selling part of the hoard. And if you know what Tom was talking
about for 'blowing grit away from the gold dust'.

AND maybe we need to remember in mentioning having 'goldweights' in public to
make the point crystal clear that they are brass weights for weighing gold and
NOT gold.
Keeps the perps from breaking and entering.


--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "mateusen1" <mateusen@...> wrote:
>
> I will send some photo's of a selection of goldweights in my collection
(almost 2000 pieces)
> I'm still looking for good pieces to buy or for exchange
> kind regards
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1966142130/pic/list
>
> --- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "rpearsonpe" <rpearsonpe@> wrote:
> >
> > With special thanks to 'stellatebronze' for asking about Tom Phillips new
book on Goldweights. I bought the book, then I dug out my goldweight collection
and have included photos (not of Phillips quality) of the pieces for the groups
enjoyment:
> >
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/564328364/pic/list
> >
> > A few opinions.
> >
> > # 1 Goldweights are a great collection, they are unique, interesting, take
up very little volume, and old authentic pieces are still available thru
gallerys, dealers,  auctions and African Runners alike. Prices can vary from $10
for small geometrics to $100+ for authentic figurative. Note also that the
figurative's are also reproduced both new and 'enhanced' (painted. added ring
for a 'charm bracelet'), but not so much with the geometric's.
> >
> > # 2 I have never understood how a geometric and any figurative gold weight
was used to actually weigh gold dust. Most weights I have used on a balance beam
scale is 'calibrated' to specific weights (1 gram, 2 grams, etc), but
-especially the figurative's- are all different sizes and shapes. I have also
seen figurative's with pieces intentionally broken off to 'adjust' the weight,
and geometric's with lead (?) added to 'adjust' the weight, but I have no idea
what standard the weights are adjusted to meet. Any thoughts on that concept ?
> >
> > # 3 It appears any object can be used as a goldweight, or any object from
nature (bugs, seeds, etc) used to cast a goldweight. My collection includes odd
pieces of brass 'things' used as goldweights. See the photos.
> >
> > bob
> >
>

Hello,Ì'm always looking for good pieces, can you bring me in contact with that
family if they still have goldweights ?

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "stellatebronze" <stellatebronze@...>
wrote:
>
> Hello, if you can find it TIMOTHY F GARRARD's book on AKAN WEIGHTS AND THE
GOLD TRADE is a tremendous resource. He also wrote an article called Myth &
METROLOGY: THE EARLY TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE in the Journal of African History 23
(4) 1982 pp 443-461. Garrard discusses the different gold-weight standards that
developed over the centuries of trans-Saharan trade, and explains in great
detail the traditions of casting goldweights.
>
> I mentioned recently I chanced upon a collection of African art wherein the
bulk of the wood-carving was "made for trade", whereas the metal-work appeared
quite authentic, which was because of the a friendship between Garrad and the
collector. This collection included many, many goldweights. Parts of this
collection will be placed on auction at an auctionhouse named Sloans & Kenyon. I
will try a bit later to post images of the 20 or so items I purchased to give
you an idea of the quality of the metal items. Many of the pieces were taken by
the Smithsonian, and the rest the family is looking to sell.
>
>
> --- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "rpearsonpe" <rpearsonpe@> wrote:
> >
> > With special thanks to 'stellatebronze' for asking about Tom Phillips new
book on Goldweights. I bought the book, then I dug out my goldweight collection
and have included photos (not of Phillips quality) of the pieces for the groups
enjoyment:
> >
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/564328364/pic/list
> >
> > A few opinions.
> >
> > # 1 Goldweights are a great collection, they are unique, interesting, take
up very little volume, and old authentic pieces are still available thru
gallerys, dealers,  auctions and African Runners alike. Prices can vary from $10
for small geometrics to $100+ for authentic figurative. Note also that the
figurative's are also reproduced both new and 'enhanced' (painted. added ring
for a 'charm bracelet'), but not so much with the geometric's.
> >
> > # 2 I have never understood how a geometric and any figurative gold weight
was used to actually weigh gold dust. Most weights I have used on a balance beam
scale is 'calibrated' to specific weights (1 gram, 2 grams, etc), but
-especially the figurative's- are all different sizes and shapes. I have also
seen figurative's with pieces intentionally broken off to 'adjust' the weight,
and geometric's with lead (?) added to 'adjust' the weight, but I have no idea
what standard the weights are adjusted to meet. Any thoughts on that concept ?
> >
> > # 3 It appears any object can be used as a goldweight, or any object from
nature (bugs, seeds, etc) used to cast a goldweight. My collection includes odd
pieces of brass 'things' used as goldweights. See the photos.
> >
> > bob
> >
>

Hello group
I recently acquired this piece. It is a leather pouch 9" X 11' with cowry shells
and what I believe are nut shells. Masks appear to be bone or ivory. Can anyone
identify what it is or where it came from?
As always, thanks in advance for any information
Photo posted as Leather Pouch:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/259367573/pic/1145649518\
/view
Michael

Thank you Paul for your insight. It did help a lot with knowing more about these
2 pieces.
Khan

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "M.E.F." <mfliegelmann@...> wrote:
>
> that is interesting. The Lega and the Accan are not from the same area and yet
both illustrate proverbs. The Accan, who incapsulate their entire world fo
values in proverbs represent them and pass them from generation to generatgion
through the figurative gold weights. M
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Paul DeLucco <pauldelucco@...>
> To: African_Arts@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sun, May 16, 2010 11:07:41 AM
> Subject: Re: [African_Arts] lega statues
>
>  
> Dear Khan,
>
> The world authority on the Lega culture is probably Daniel P. Biebuyck.  He
carried out extensive research in the region beginning in the in the 1950's and
has written several books on the subject.  From the collector's point of view,
the best book is probably the "coffee table" book Lega:  Ethics and Beauty in
the Heart of Africa (2002).
>  
> Biebuyck explains that these wooden figures usually illustrate proverbs of the
Bwami cult.  Numbersof different figures are kept together in baskets and
brought out during special ceremonies when they are danced with.  Apparently,
they are not often set on the ground. It is difficult for me to identify the
armless, round figure because there are several similar armless figures
illustrating different proverbs.  It might be the one identified by Biebuyck
as:
>  
> .......Kakulu ka Mpinda, Little Old One of Mpinda (curse) sets out for a
journey in the very early morning, i.e. he has bad intentions and acts in a
manner contrary to what old wise men do.  They do not leave the village in the
early morning without first informing themselves about what is ahead of them (p.
123).
>  
> The four-legged stool is a common motif in Lega art as it is linked to the
Bwami grade (kansilembo) that is authorized to organize circumcision ceremonies
(p.226).  Biebuyck reproduces a photo of a an ivory figure similar to the one
you possess.  He interprets it as personifying Wabalenga, i.e. who surpasses
them, a ritual figure of outstanding power and influence (p. 132).
>  
> Unfortunately, the simplicity of the Lega style makes counterfeiting
particularly easy.  The Lega themselves carve large quantities of fakes for
the tourist market.  Non-Lega, and no doubt non Congolese, also carve large
quantities of Lega style curio pieces.  Wary collectors only buy pieces of
confirmed provenance.
>  
> Regards,
>  
> Paul 
>  
>    
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: afrikhantiques <khankey@ymail. com>
> To: African_Arts@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 10:37:03 AM
> Subject: [African_Arts] lega statues
>
>  
> Hello group,
> I just recently acquired 2 Lega statues. The first statue seems to have a four
legged stool for the base and the other piece has animal fur and skin on top of
its head. The skin is hammered with thin wooden nails to the head. I know that
Lega statues are used initiation ceremonies but that is about it. Also both
these pieces are very different so I'm wondering if or how they served
differently in the ceremonies. I find that the Lega statue sitting on the stool,
the bottom does not have significant abrasion/friction so that makes me wonder
how this piece was used. Was it mostly carried, and if so did they keep them
wrapped in cloth or skin when not in use and therefore there isn't much friction
on the bottom of the piece? or is the piece just simply a new piece. The patina
of the neck however seems to be really smooth and "touched".
> How did these statues actually play a role in the ceremonies and what do they
represent?
> Answering these questions would not only help me greatly with authenticating
the pieces but also knowing exactly how they were used is part of the aesthetics
in African art I believe.
> Any help would be greatly appreciated.
> Khan
>
> http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/African_ Arts/photos/ album/1685330764
/pic/list
>
>
>  
>  
>  
>  
>

Hello group,
I have this Lulua maternity statue and I'd love to hear your opinions on this
piece.
I know that they are used to for fertility purposes but I wonder how they were
actually used. Were they carried around and taken care of like a child like the
fertility Ashanti dolls in Ghana?
Some details of this piece, the patina is quite particular like some of the
Lulua statues seen in private collections and books - it has this red/brown and
black patina. There are also encrustations in several areas. The carved
scarification on the face seems "worn out" and "softer". Also the baby's face is
also quite "worn out" and "softer", this can be seen in one of body close up
picture if you look closely. I think all this is due to constant rubbing and
touching of both the mother's and baby's face - if anybody knows why and if they
did this at all it would greatly help in getting to know my piece more. Also I
have no clue why it is pointed in the end... This is just a wild guess but I
would think that they would stick it in the ground but I have no clue. There
aren't any clear signs of the end being stuck in the ground though.
I have seen this style of statue (with the spike at the end) in a book where it
sketches/outlines the basic shape of Lulua statues but I haven't actually seen
any other real examples of this same type of statue in other collections. I also
looked at the database of this group and couldn't find a Lulua statue of this
same style.
Any help will be greatly appreciated as always:)
Khan

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1431670051/pic/list

hello, the family still has many goldweights, but the actual owner is in her
early 80's and has deferred the disposition of the collection to her children. I
didn't list the actual name of the owner because I already had offered to refer
collectors, which was refused (to my surprise). So apparently the material will
not be available until Sept auction at the same auction house.

--- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "mateusen1" <mateusen@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,Ì'm always looking for good pieces, can you bring me in contact with
that family if they still have goldweights ?
>
> --- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "stellatebronze" <stellatebronze@> wrote:
> >
> > Hello, if you can find it TIMOTHY F GARRARD's book on AKAN WEIGHTS AND THE
GOLD TRADE is a tremendous resource. He also wrote an article called Myth &
METROLOGY: THE EARLY TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE in the Journal of African History 23
(4) 1982 pp 443-461. Garrard discusses the different gold-weight standards that
developed over the centuries of trans-Saharan trade, and explains in great
detail the traditions of casting goldweights.
> >
> > I mentioned recently I chanced upon a collection of African art wherein the
bulk of the wood-carving was "made for trade", whereas the metal-work appeared
quite authentic, which was because of the a friendship between Garrad and the
collector. This collection included many, many goldweights. Parts of this
collection will be placed on auction at an auctionhouse named Sloans & Kenyon. I
will try a bit later to post images of the 20 or so items I purchased to give
you an idea of the quality of the metal items. Many of the pieces were taken by
the Smithsonian, and the rest the family is looking to sell.
> >
> >
> > --- In African_Arts@yahoogroups.com, "rpearsonpe" <rpearsonpe@> wrote:
> > >
> > > With special thanks to 'stellatebronze' for asking about Tom Phillips new
book on Goldweights. I bought the book, then I dug out my goldweight collection
and have included photos (not of Phillips quality) of the pieces for the groups
enjoyment:
> > >
> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/564328364/pic/list
> > >
> > > A few opinions.
> > >
> > > # 1 Goldweights are a great collection, they are unique, interesting, take
up very little volume, and old authentic pieces are still available thru
gallerys, dealers,  auctions and African Runners alike. Prices can vary from $10
for small geometrics to $100+ for authentic figurative. Note also that the
figurative's are also reproduced both new and 'enhanced' (painted. added ring
for a 'charm bracelet'), but not so much with the geometric's.
> > >
> > > # 2 I have never understood how a geometric and any figurative gold weight
was used to actually weigh gold dust. Most weights I have used on a balance beam
scale is 'calibrated' to specific weights (1 gram, 2 grams, etc), but
-especially the figurative's- are all different sizes and shapes. I have also
seen figurative's with pieces intentionally broken off to 'adjust' the weight,
and geometric's with lead (?) added to 'adjust' the weight, but I have no idea
what standard the weights are adjusted to meet. Any thoughts on that concept ?
> > >
> > > # 3 It appears any object can be used as a goldweight, or any object from
nature (bugs, seeds, etc) used to cast a goldweight. My collection includes odd
pieces of brass 'things' used as goldweights. See the photos.
> > >
> > > bob
> > >
> >
>

I have had this mask quite a long time. I have always thought of it as Kumu or
Komo. Can anyone confirm this or point me in the right direction? I have only
found 1 reference to this tribe and so have not had much to go on.
The photos can be found in

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1460146936/pic/25929044/\
view

I posted the question as to what tribe to attribute this mask earlier today and
for some reason all the photos did not post. Here they are again. I appreciate
any help.
Joe

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/116044028/pic/list

 

I have had this mask quite a long time. I have always thought of it as Kumu or Komo. Can anyone confirm this or point me in the right direction? I have only found 1 reference to this tribe and so have not had much to go on.
The photos can be found in

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1460146936/pic/25929044/view

 

I have had this mask quite a long time. I have always thought of it as Kumu or Komo. Can anyone confirm this or point me in the right direction? I have only found 1 reference to this tribe and so have not had much to go on.
The photos can be found in

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1460146936/pic/25929044/view
__

 

I have had this mask quite a long time. I have always thought of it as Kumu or Komo. Can anyone confirm this or point me in the right direction? I have only found 1 reference to this tribe and so have not had much to go on.
The photos can be found in

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/1460146936/pic/25929044/view

Hello group,
I'm new to the group :)
I own this Lega mask and I know there are different types of Lega masks used in
different ways during ceremonies. I think this mask was not only hung on walls
but also handled and physically used a lot as it does have a slightly oily and
shiny patina. I'm wondering how this particular mask was used and whether it is
an Idumu Lega mask or some other Lega type as it is not a Lukwacongo, I think. I
think it is old as you can see the wood is grainy on the detailed photos.
I think its quite a beautiful mask but would love to hear your opinions:)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/African_Arts/photos/album/2147157227/pic/list
Jenna