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Two weights used for measuring gold dust
Photograph
1935 (photographed)
1935 (photographed)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This Walker Evans photograph depicts two weights used for measuring gold dust, possibly from the Ivory Coast (Baule) or from the Gold Coast (Ashanti).
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Two weights used for measuring gold dust (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Photograph |
Brief description | Photograph by Walker Evans depicting two weights used for measuring gold dust by the Baule or Ashanti people of Ivory Coast, in an exhibition entitled 'African Negro Art'. New York, 1935. |
Physical description | Photograph of two decorative bronze weights carved in the shape of seated figures, made using the 'lost wax' technique, from an exhibition of African art |
Dimensions |
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Object history | NB: The term "negro" was used historically to describe people of black African heritage but, since the 1960s, has fallen from usage and, increasingly, is considered offensive. The term is repeated here in its original historical context. Historical significance: The Museum of Modern Art hired Walker Evans to photograph its African Negro Art exhibition, from which he produced 477 images. 17 sets of these images were printed, one of which the V&A bought for $50. |
Historical context | Photograph of two weights used for measuring gold dust, exhibited in African Negro Art at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, 1935. Objects from Ivory Coast (Baule); or Gold Coast (Ashanti), bronze, lost wax technique (photo actual size), collections of Louis Carre and Charles Rutton, Paris (Nos 230 and 187 in catalogue). |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This Walker Evans photograph depicts two weights used for measuring gold dust, possibly from the Ivory Coast (Baule) or from the Gold Coast (Ashanti). |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | 2152-1936 |
About this object record
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Record created | June 7, 2007 |
Record URL |
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