Chameleon? Antique Animal Shaped West African Ashanti Weight handmade ruler with several layers of this

with several layers of this paint on it

In an ebonized wooden frame

holding I assume an acorn in its paws

with black and silver "In Memorium" ribbon on reverse

Chameleon? Antique Animal Shaped West African Ashanti Weight handmade ruler with several layers of thisTiny, but really wonderful, I believe this is a Akan (now Ghana) West African Ashnati weigh, used to for measuring out gold and gold dust, usually for trade. These weights, frequently figural and often in the shape of animals, were typically made of brass, as I believe this one is, cast using the lost wax method. I am tempted to say, with its large eye and coiled tail, that this one is meant to represent a chameleon, but I am not completely certain.