In this manner of usage, quite apart from their utilitarian and manifest purpose of being used to measure the value of gold dust, gold weights are meant to serve as powerful expressive medium for communicating Akan values, beliefs, and proper social relations and behavior. The Akan often elaborate their spoken words with both visual and poetic dimensions by using context-related proverbs or clever metaphors to ennoble their messages. This practice not only demonstrates a speaker's wisdom, cultivation, and eloquence in the use of his language, but also reveals his understanding of human nature and his ability to assess the underlying subtleties of specific situations. If you do not have sandals, find some, if you do not have gun powder, find some for a score to settle with you on the battle grounds . The symbol is used metaphorically in this statement to express the declaration of war.
Death is no respecter of anyone, big or small, young or old.
The mighty and the low shall all die. Se wo were fi na wosankofa a, yenkyi . This symbolizes the Akan's quest for knowledge with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination, and intelligent and patient investigation. The symbol is based on a mythical bird that flies forwards with its head turned backwards. This reflects the Akan belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future, or the wisdom in learning from the past in building the future.