Many accoutrements were involved in the gold trade. Beam scales were used to weigh gold with weights placed on one side and the gold on the other. The scoop was used to remove impurities from the gold dust. Sieves were used to separate gold nuggets from gold dust. Small brass spoons were used to place gold dust on the scale. Small brass boxes with designs on the lids were used to store gold dust. Large, round sheet brass containers (forowa) were used sometimes to store gold, although they could be used for containing shea butter (a cosmetic) or any valuable belonging to their wealthy owners. The use of gold was in antiquity, and continues to be, the hallmark of Asante nobility (photo). Field photo: Eliot Elisofon National Museum of African Art, Eliot Elisofon Archives, Smithsonian Institution