45 - 25 gold weights and a bell scoop, "fanfa"

25 gold weights and a bell scoop, "fanfa" Akan / Ashanti. Ghana Without base Yellow cast metal. L 1–8 cm. Provenance: - Josef Joller (1886–1972), Winterthur. - Alice Szentkiralyi-Joller (1932–2025), Winterthur. - In the family’s possession by inheritance. Josef Joller (1886–1972) The Swiss merchant Josef Joller worked for the Swiss African Trading Company in the West African cocoa trade during the 1930s and 1940s. His professional activities took him to what was then the British Gold Coast—now Ghana—as well as to the neighboring Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), which was under French colonial administration at the time. At that time, cocoa was one of West Africa’s most important export commodities. European trading companies maintained an extensive network of trading posts and business relationships that connected the coastal cities with the production areas in the interior. As a Swiss merchant, Joller operated within this economic and cultural environment, where European commercial interests intersected with the diverse traditions of West African societies. His many years of activity in the region provide an interesting historical context for understanding the artworks that later came into his possession. It points to an era in which personal encounters, trade contacts, and travel could also shape the path of African art objects into European private collections. -------------------------------- The name “Akan” refers to a group of linguistically and culturally related peoples in present-day Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. These include, among others, the Ashanti, Fante, Denkira, Wassaw, Twifo, Sefwi, Ahafo, Dorma (Domaa), Adansi, Assin, Abrem, Akim, Agona, Gomoa, Akwamu, Akwapim, and Kwahu. In Côte d’Ivoire, the Baule and Agni are also among the peoples of Akan origin. The so-called Akan gold weights were in use from around 1400 to 1900. Their name does not refer to the material but to their function in weighing gold dust, which served as a medium of exchange for centuries. Until the end of the 19th century, gold and gold dust were traded extensively by the Ashanti and related peoples. Special spoons, usually made of sheet brass and known as saawa, were used to scoop the gold dust (sikafuturo) from containers such as adaka or kuduo and to weigh it on a beam scale (nsania) using counterweights (abrammoo). The weights were made from copper alloys using the lost-wax casting process. The oldest examples predominantly feature geometric shapes; from the 16th century onward, figurative representations became increasingly common. These weights continued to serve practical purposes, but they also frequently embodied Akan proverbs and figurative expressions, thus becoming vessels of cultural meaning. In 1899, the British colonial administration in Ghana prohibited the use of gold dust as a medium of exchange. Further Reading: Niangoran-Bouah, Georges (1984). L'univers Akan des poids à peser l'or / The Akan World of Gold Weights. Abidjan: Les Nouvelles Editions Africaines. CHF 100 / 200 Weight in grams: 579 Condition: Hammer Auctions places great importance on providing a careful and as precise as possible description of all lots offered in the catalog. Each lot is documented with multiple photographs intended to convey as comprehensive an impression of its condition as possible. This includes, in particular, visible signs of wear, irregularities, and age-related changes. We recommend that all interested parties and bidders carefully examine the photographs before placing a bid, as they form an essential part of the lot description. In addition, we recommend viewing the items in person before the auction, if possible. All condition descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and belief and are based on our professional assessment. They are provided for informational purposes only and do not claim to be exhaustive. In particular, there may be signs of age or wear that are neither explicitly mentioned nor visible in the photographs. Hammer Auctions assumes no liability for unintentional errors or omissions in the condition descriptions to the extent permitted by law. However, we always strive to resolve any ambiguities or concerns in a transparent, fair, and straightforward manner. Should a lot differ significantly from its catalog description, Hammer Auktionen offers a return option in accordance with the following provisions. Buyers may report such a discrepancy in writing within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the lot. If the complaint is justified, the lot may be returned by mutual agreement. The purchase price will be refunded upon receipt of the