Small metal mask, height 5 cm

Late 19th, early 20th century - Origin: private collection

The Akans live in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, a region of the world where gold was very present. Trade was financed with gold powder or precious stones. These transactions were controlled by tribal chiefs and headwomen, who owned weights designed to weigh the quantity of gold needed to seal the transaction. These weights came in all shapes, and some of them took the form of masks or masquettes.

Galerie Retour De Voyage is proud to present this exclusive collection of African art objects from the various ethnic groups present in West Africa. They have been scattered in individual collections, and it's a long and enjoyable process to present them together in this spring exhibition.