Fulani Currency

This 19th century harvest African currency is from the Ibo tribe in Nigeria. It looks something like an animal and reminds of a crocodile. One of the end sections is slatted so as to...

Tribal African Currency.

1940s double gong iron African Currency.

This set of 3 pieces of African currency is very interesting. Looking like some sort of ancient maraca, these 19th century pieces jingle and noise-make with each step. The dimensions...

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...

A Pair of Copper Currencies: “Katanga Crosses” Central African Copper Belt (DR Congo, Zambia or Zimbabwe) Cast copper, archaeological patina Size each:...

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron example was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were modeled after objects of inherent value, resulting in sculptural combinations of function and beauty. This large iron spear dates to the early 20th century and is attributed to the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secured to a narrow iron handle, the flattened blade has an elegant, sloping silhouette, subtly textured with concentric grooves and a rusted, antique patina. Forged as a broadleaf spear, the weapon contrasts a violent potential with images of peaceful branches swaying in the wind. We've set this unusual Kuba spear...

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron example was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were modeled after objects of inherent value, resulting in sculptural combinations of function and beauty. This large iron spear dates to the early 20th century and is attributed to the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secured to a narrow handle of iron and wood, the flattened blade has an elegant, sloping silhouette, subtly textured with raised lines and a rusted, antique patina. Forged as a broadleaf spear, the weapon contrasts a violent potential with images of peaceful branches swaying in the wind. We've set this unusual Kuba spear...