Items Similar to African Currency, Thoung Knife
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
African Currency, Thoung Knife
$1,090
£827.51
€946.49
CA$1,522.89
A$1,693.78
CHF 884.44
MX$20,611.55
NOK 11,295.67
SEK 10,593.34
DKK 7,064.05
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
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 decorative purposes, most evolved into "pure" currency, deliberately unusable except as objects recognized, prized and accepted widely as payment. The unusual forms and sizes of ethnographic currencies are both fascinating and surprising. They range in size from the smallest personal adornments such as beads, shells, and jewelry to massive iron forms weighing as much as 100 pounds. These "Primitive" monies were both aesthetic and functional and were used to buy everyday items as food, cloth and tools as well as major life transactions: the purchase of land, livestock and brides. These objects served as a means of exchange as well as symbols of wealth and power. Check out our African weapons for additional currency pieces.
- Dimensions:Height: 23 in (58.42 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Unknown
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Dallas, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU85146219103
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
1stDibs seller since 2008
81 sales on 1stDibs
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Dallas, TX
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllFulani Currency
Located in Dallas, TX
Nigerian currency crafted by the Fulani tribe. Outlawed in the 19th century by Colonel Phelps. The unusual forms and sizes of ethnographic currencies...
Category
Antique 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Mounted Objects
Materials
Metal
$1,656
African Currency, 19th Century
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category
Antique 19th Century African Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
$3,560 / set
African Currency, Sword
Located in Dallas, TX
Tarumba currency on stand sword-shaped object used as money by the Tarumba tribe.
Category
Antique Late 19th Century African Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
$1,990
African Currency of the AFO People from Nigeria on a Metal Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Beautiful, museum quality display stand of a late 19th century Hoe or Shovel currency. Four available for individual purchase.
Category
Antique 19th Century African Tribal Art
Materials
Metal
Tribal African Iron Hook Currency
Located in Dallas, TX
Tribal African Currency.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century African Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Antique Dan Tribe Indian Scope
Located in Dallas, TX
Dan tribe Indian ceremonial scope used at the time of harvest to pass out by the Chief's wife.
Category
Vintage 1950s Unknown Antiquities
Materials
Wood
You May Also Like
African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota Mohongwe Peoples Art
Located in Miami, FL
A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances.
This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised.
This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging.
Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep
Kota Reliquary...
Category
Early 20th Century Gabonese Tribal Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Brass, Copper
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
Traditional Throwing Knife (Ngalio) Chad Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Throwing Knife (Ngalio)
Sara People, Chad, Africa
Mid-20th century
Material: Iron
Height on custom display stand: 28 in. / 71 cm
Known as "ngalio", thi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chadian Other Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
19th Century African Iron Currency Mfunte Mfumte Nigeria Cameroon
Located in Point Richmond, CA
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...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
Iron Spear Currency, Topoke, DR Congo
Located in Point Richmond, CA
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Other Tribal Art
Materials
Iron
African Topoke Sword Currency on Custom Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An African iron currency blade or sword currency from the Nkutshu, Topoke & Songo Meno peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) which is nicely presented upon a custom metal stand. Such blades were used by various tribal groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a form of currency. They were used to close a variety of important transactions such as land deals or the proposal of marriage. This African sword...
Category
Antique 19th Century Congolese Tribal Mounted Objects
Materials
Iron
African Tribal Figure
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mounted African tribal figure, used as a door latch in the early 20th century.
Category
20th Century Ivorian Tribal Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
$1,250
More Ways To Browse
Africa Tribal Furniture
African Primitive Art
Antique African Tools
Primitive Jewelry
Antique African Weapons
Primitive Beads
Antique Iron Bracelets
Fang African
Mali African Mask
Nepal Mask
Tribal Skull
Burkina Faso Bronze
Fetish Tribal
Tribal Necklace Stand
African Helmet Mask
Antique Aboriginal Art
Ashanti Bronze
Baule Mask