African Currency, 19th Century

Most forms were developed from traditional metal objects that were already in use such as weapons, tools, bracelets and anklets. While some continued to be functional for work or dec...

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...

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...

19th century hammer currency, Ensuba, Bafia People, Cameroon Sometimes referred to as potato masher currency, but known to the Bafia people as ensuba,...