Drummer Abrammuo (Gold Weight)

Project Description

The booming gold trade in Ghana led to the creation of abrammuo, or gold weights. Abrammuo were made of brass and were used to regulate the gold trade to allow for a greater degree of accuracy that was much needed from the 14th century onwards.

This abrammuo takes the form of a drummer. The meticulous detail in the object, such as the figure’s tiny hands and intricate linework on the drums, reveal a great attention to the construction of this tiny object. As a form, the drummer has strong links to the people of Ghana and their customs, as drums are often used in rituals and ceremonies. As such, this object has strong ties to the cultural heritage of Ghana whilst also serving a functional purpose.

– Prince Musana, Class of 2026

Object Details