Lobi Gold Weight with Figural Motif, Based

Today, a small head with narrow eyes and a banded neck, perched on a thin rod.

This gold weight with figural motif is Lobi, from Burkina Faso, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is bronze. The Lobi of Burkina Faso, Ghana and Ivory Coast are known for small bronze figures cast by the lost-wax method, and their style differs from the better known Akan weights. Viewed whole, a compact figure with an oval head, slit eyes and a carved chevron pattern down the chest. The body tapers into a rounded base with a stubby snout. It is mounted on a slim rod above a square black stand. It is 1.5 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 3 high.

Small, solemn and rather good at keeping a straight face.