ASHANTI GOLD DUST BOX C.1880

The Sir Cecil Armitage Collection. 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. The currency for the slave trade was gold dust transactions in which were made by weighing against the standard. A portion of his collection is in the British Museum, while the balance was sold in London in the 1980s. With a few exceptions, we acquired the collection and have dispersed it sparingly for four decades. Brass, oval, just over 2” length. Overlapping top and base. The body of riveted construction while the top and bottom are brazed. The top to box fit exceptionally tight to assure no loss of its precious contents.