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Let me just say these photos could NEVER do this set of Fon weights justice. It will be a complete delight for you to unbox this set and display them with pride.
 
A great conversation piece as well as exquisite beauty.
 
This collection of weights from the Fon tribe was gathered in Benin the late 19th century.
 
The Fon peoples Were casting brass or bronze has been a long-standing tradition of the tribes in this region since as far back as the 1400s and continues to this day. Through trade in gold dust these regions have been powerful and demanding locations creating rich artistic traditions. The production of gold weights has lasted the test of time. These are done in the lost wax process so each and every element is unique and represents man-hours of work. The variety of forms found in these small works of art derives both from natural artistic development and the trading of gold dust itself. The forms are both abstract and real, and combine symbolism with tradition and most effectively the cultural norms of daily life. Of note in this tradition some are very cultural representing tribal activities such as hunting, smelting, farming, etc. while others seem sexual or depict shamans. These have a nice old surface and patina indicating some age and use and have all come form the same collection.
 
Sizes vary largest given 5 inches x 2.00 inches. Fon goldweight figures were used as a measuring system by this largest ethnic tribe of people of Africa. The gold weights were used to weigh gold dust which was used as currency before money and coins were invented. Locally they are known as mrammou, and the weights are made of brass or bronze. Traditionally a small set of gold weights were given to a newly wedded man. The status and respect of a man will also increase if he would possess a complete set of gold weights.