Fig. 1 Akan bronze weight - The solitary crocodile - private collection

Continuing our journey into the world of Akan weights, after exploring their function as measuring instruments and symbols of wisdom, we focus today on one of the most fascinating figures: the crocodile. It is not just an animal, but a compendium of proverbs and life lessons, molded in bronze to guide social and commercial interactions.

The solitary crocodile: wisdom and adaptability
The weight that depicts a single crocodile embodies the proverb:

"The crocodile lives in the water but breathes air."

This dual nature makes it a powerful symbol of adaptability and resilience. It's a figure that suggests the ability to thrive in different environments, to maintain one's identity even while navigating challenges and changes. It also represents astuteness and strength, essential attributes for success in commerce and in life.

The crocodile and the fish: the price of arrogance
A weight showing a crocodile holding a fish in its mouth serves as a warning and refers to the proverb:

"The crocodile that eats the fish with greed is unable to breathe."

Fig. 2 Akan bronze weight - The Crocodile and the Fish - private collection

The image is a reminder of the need for moderation and the danger of greed. Excess can suffocate, metaphorically and literally, leading to loss. It's a fundamental lesson for merchants, who are encouraged not to be gluttonous and to conduct business in an honest and balanced way.

The crossed crocodiles: unity in mutual dependence
One of the most well-known symbols is that of two crocodiles joined in a cross, with a single shared stomach. This weight embodies the proverb:

"Although they have two heads, they share one stomach. Whatever one or the other eats, it ends up in a single place."

It's the visual representation of interdependence and unity. The symbol emphasizes that despite individual differences or divergent points of view, two people or entities are fundamentally connected. The action of one has an impact on the other, and their destiny is inseparably linked. It's a powerful reminder of cooperation, especially in social or family contexts, but also in commerce.

Other Forms: The Crocodile of Wisdom
In addition to these three main figures, there are other, less common variants, which often illustrate further nuances of meaning. Some weights show a crocodile with a turtle on its back, symbolizing stability and millennial wisdom.

The Crocodile Across African Cultures: Between Terror and Divinity
The deep symbolism of the crocodile is not exclusive to the Akan people, but resonates in many other cultures across the African continent, often taking on connotations of sacredness, power, and, at times, reverential terror.

In Ancient Egypt, the crocodile was revered as a sacred creature, the incarnation of the god Sobek. This god, often depicted with a crocodile's head, was associated with the power of the Nile, fertility, protection, and pharaonic sovereignty. Although feared for his ferocity, Sobek was also invoked for protection and the ability to ward off evil.

Also in other regions of sub-Saharan Africa, such as among the Dogon of Mali or the peoples of Benin, the crocodile is often linked to creation myths, ancestral spirits, or guardians of the water.

Social Status and Gold Weights: The Crocodile as an Emblem of Power
The complexity and value of gold weights were not universal. Weights like those in the shape of a crocodile were not accessible to everyone, but were emblems of wealth and status.

A Costly Work of Art: The creation of these elaborate weights required the skill of specialized artisans in the lost-wax technique. The purchase of such objects was a significant investment, affordable only to the elite.

Fig. 3 Akan bronze weight - The crossed crocodiles with a shared stomach - Niangoran-Bouah G., The Akan World of Gold Weight vol. 2 p.96 Fig.2

Symbol of Prestige: Owning a set of richly symbolic weights was a declaration of wealth, intelligence, and cultural knowledge. They functioned as true "status symbols," distinguishing influential merchants from the less affluent.

The Poor and Simplicity: A lower-ranking merchant relied on simpler weights, often of basic geometric shapes (cubes, cylinders), which served to measure gold in a purely functional way. They lacked complex decorations and had no symbolic value beyond their utility.

In all its forms, the crocodile in Akan weights is a constant call to reflection. These small masterpieces not only measured gold but also invited their owners to measure their own actions, to ponder the consequences, and to live according to the principles of wisdom and moderation.

Bibliography

1. Guido Donati 03 Set 2025 Akan gold weights: a journey into the realm of wisdom Scienceonline

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https://www.scienzaonline.com/scienza-generale/item/4936-i-pesi-akan-un-viaggio-nel-regno-della-saggezza.html

3. Guido Donati ……….The Akan Gold Weights: The Sacred Ritual of Trade

4. Guido Donati …….I Pesi d'Oro Akan: Il Rituale Sacro del Commercio

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*Board Member, SRSN (Roman Society of Natural Science)
Past Editor-in-Chief Italian Journal of Dermosurgery