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19th Century African Iron Currency Mfunte Mfumte Nigeria Cameroon

About the Item

The price is for an individual currency and includes a stand. The custom stands can display the currencies horizontally with the rounded point facing to the left or right or mounted vertically. Please specify your preference. The shape of a Mfunte currency has a seemingly simple yet complex design. The forged iron surface was scratched in an end-to-end direction to create a visually interesting surface, a central raised vein to create two sections, and swelling was incorporated on the front at the straight end. The aging of the iron has further added to the texture and attractiveness of the design. 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 and northern Cameroon. It was also used for dowry payments in marriage contracts. As late as the 1950s, it was still used for payments in local markets (Ballarini, The Perfect Form, 2009; Ginzberg, African Forms, 2000).

Dimensions:

Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Iron,Forged

Place of Origin:

Nigeria

Period:

Late 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1870 - 1970

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.