MASSIVE ASHANTI RING C.1900, ex: Sir Cecil Armitage Collection

About 7/8” diameter in the form of a man’s ring buy outsized proportioned and not suitable for wear. Perfunctory craftsmanship suggesting provincial manufacture. Gold dust was the currency of the slave and ivory trade. These weights were used on balance beam scales to measure it for transactions. After an exemplary military career in Africa, Sir Cecil Armitage was made Governor of Gambia (1921-27). He was fascinated by the arts of East Africa, particularly those cast in bronze and formed a collection, largely related to the gold weights and containers which served the slave trade at that time. With certificate of authenticity.