Vintage Ghana Lost Wax Cast Bronze “Gold Weight” Pangolin Figure 30748

A stunning 1 1/2” tall pangolin figurine from Ghana that was crafted in bronze as a gold weight.

Tiny figures cast in bronze were once used as “gold weights” or scale counterweights to determine the weight and value of gold dust and nuggets.  The figures were often animals – sometimes human figures – and were kept as a sign of wealth and the ability of the merchant to do big business.

This little guy was cast in the lost wax method and, bronze, weighs in at 70 grams.

The figure measures 1 1/2” in height and 3 1/4” in length.  He’s got charming detailing to his face, spiny back and ears and a light verdigris patina.