Iron Currency

A fine example of a early 20th century iron currency from the Afo tribe in Nigeria. Also called a hoe currency the abstract shape refers to the blade of a hoe as to symbolise the con...

Colonial coinage replaced Africa's traditional iron currencies. This iron currency, shaped like a stretched hide, was circulated as a means of payment across northeastern Nigeria an...

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron sword blade was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency.

Hoe-Shaped Currency "Mbili Ngbaka," Ngbaka, D.R. Congo 20th century Iron, accumulation 16 x 7 in. / 41 x 18 cm Height on custom display stand: 18.25 in. / 46 cm This interesting typ...

1940s double gong iron African Currency.

This exceptional Kirdi iron currency from West and Central Cameroon exemplifies that convergence of metallurgy and meaning.

A striking example of West African material culture, this Igbo iron currency knife from Nigeria embodies the intersection of economy, artistry, and ritual within traditional African ...

A striking expression of pre-colonial value systems, this Igbo iron currency knife from southeastern Nigeria operates at the intersection of economy, ritual, and sculpture.

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron example was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency.

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron example was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency.

Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...

These African sword currencies have been forged from a single piece of iron.

This primitive sword currency was forged from a single piece of iron. Metal currency pre-dated minted coinage in Africa by many centuries.

This African sword currency was forged from a single piece of iron. Metal currency pre-dated minted coinage in Africa by many centuries.

Three African iron currency blades or swords currency from the Topoke peoples from the Democratic Republic of Congo which are nicely presented upon a custom metal stand.

Tribal African Currency.

Topoke, DR Congo, Africa Iron Early 20th century 36 x 6 in. / 91 x 15 cm. Height on custom display stand: 38.25 in. / 97 cm. These big iron spear points were made by groups livi...

Used as forms of currency, they could also serve as a musical or ritual object. Displayed on a custom mount.

Used as forms of currency, they could also serve as a musical or ritual object. Displayed on a custom mount.

Used as forms of currency, they could also serve as a musical or ritual object. Displayed on a custom mount.

Pair of iron flat spatulate currency pieces, made by the Chamba or Mambila peoples of Cameroon or Nigeria.

Wonderful spear form currency with spiral loops below the spear head festooned with three 'bells' on each side. An appealing design executed by a master craftsman. Beautifully mounte...

Chamba, Nigeria, Africa Iron Early 20th century 14.5 x 7 in. / 37 x 18 cm Height on custom display stand: 16.5 in. / 42 cm Various models of these original currency bearers were...

The iron, hammered into the form of a hoe, was used as currency.

A pair of West African incised iron and copper wire axe form currency pieces or may have used as dance wands.

These serpent shaped currencies are made of iron, have a lovely patina and are each presented upon a custom black iron stand.  

This is a pair of vintage African spear currencies from the Mbole peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo which are nicely presented upon custom metal stands. These African currencies ...

The Afo Bridal Currency was used in Nigeria until the early 1940s. This is also known as a "Chenkrom." Now mounted on a bronze stand.

Extra Large Curved Hoe Currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron 25.25 x 17.5 in. / 64 x 44 cm Height on custom display stand: 29.75 in. / 76 cm Weight: 12.8 pounds / 5.8 kg C...

Extra Large Curved Hoe currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron Measures: 29.5 x 20.5 in. / 75 x 52 cm Height on custom display stand: 33.25 in. / 84 cm Weight: 20.6 p...

These serpent shaped currencies are made of iron, have a lovely patina and are each presented upon a custom black iron stand.             

A sculptural iron form once used as currency among the Mambila and Chamba peoples of northeastern Nigeria and the Cameroon highlands, this forged hoe-shaped object embodies the inter...

Before coinage became standardized across West and Central Africa, wealth was often held in iron. In parts of present-day northeastern Nigeria and northern Cameroon, highly forged th...

This currency sword, like most African trade currency items, was used as a way to transfer wealth for the purpose of buying land or animals but is most often associated with the sign...

They are made from forged iron and were used as currency in commerce. Today, they are sculpturally beautiful and look interesting in tradition, transitional and contemporary settings.

A single Yua Wenga currency from the early 20th century on custom iron stand.

Across many regions of Africa, value was stored and exchanged through objects: iron blades, manillas (bracelet currencies), textiles, beads, and ceremonial weapons.