Object Details
- Label Text
- Visually, weights fall into two distinct categories: geometric and figurative. Stylistically they are divided into early (c. 1400-1700) and late (c. 1700-1900) periods. Although some geometric weights were made in the late period, figurative weights increased in both number and variety. Generally, late-period figurative weights have added details and textures beyond the basic form that would identify the subject. This object is a late-period figurative weight in the form of a mudfish on a cooking grill. The proverb could be: "It is not the wish of the mudfish to be smoked." That is, things come your way that you don't like, but you still have to take it!
- Most weights were not commissioned to make a point or tell a story. Weights may act as display pieces implying wealth in both the size of individual weights and the number owned.
- Description
- Cast copper alloy figurative weight in the form of a curving fish atop a circular grated grill.
- Provenance
- Bevill Bressler & Schulman, Newark, New Jersey, -- to 1975
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Akan artist
- Date
- 18th-late 19th century
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bevill, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bresler and Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Schulman
- Medium
- Copper alloy
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 1.3 x 4.4 x 4.8 cm (1/2 x 1 3/4 x 1 7/8 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
