Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5

Kuba Currency Spear, circa 1900

About the Item

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this example by the Kuba People of Central Africa was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were formed after objects of inherent value. This spear-form piece represented the vital need for metal weaponry in tribal warfare. Today, its violent potential stands in contrast to its delicate lines, creating a thought-provoking sculptural artwork.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 76.5 in (194.31 cm)Width: 6.5 in (16.51 cm)Depth: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chicago, IL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: CAA0679A1stDibs: LU820022801702
More From This SellerView All
  • African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
    Located in Chicago, IL
    Characterized by its open shape capped with geometric ends, this bracelet is but one form of the many types of body adornments favored the Fulani people of West Africa. The thick des...
    Category

    Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Collectible Jewelry

    Materials

    Brass

  • Senufo Locking Currency Bracelet, c. 1850
    Located in Chicago, IL
    Time honored texture and form define this Senufo sculptural object. The abstract etchings were achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan meticulously traced and ...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Ivorian Tribal Art

    Materials

    Copper

  • African Incised Copper Currency Anklet, c. 1900
    Located in Chicago, IL
    Time honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...
    Category

    Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Mounted Objects

    Materials

    Copper

  • Nigerian Afo Hoe Currency, c. 1900
    Located in Chicago, IL
    In many pre-colonial regions of Africa, iron was so valuable that tools often doubled as currencies for rare but significant transactions. This large iron form is a currency piece from the Afo peoples of northern Nigeria, and is modeled after the blade of a hoe. Used to till the hard soil and harvest crops, the hoe was highly valued as a symbol of the community's reliance on the earth and traditional agriculture. With its clean lines and irregular surface texture, the currency blade...
    Category

    Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art

    Materials

    Iron

  • Incised Copper Currency Anklet
    Located in Chicago, IL
    Time-honored texture and form define this Nigerian copper sculptural object. The intricate geometry was achieved through a process known as scarification. The artisan would meticulou...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Nigerian Tribal Mounted Objects

    Materials

    Copper, Steel

  • Kuba Beaded Laket Prestige Cap
    By Kuba
    Located in Chicago, IL
    This petite cone-shaped cap, known as laket, was created by an artisan of the Kuba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The base is made of a simple woven raffia fabric, ...
    Category

    Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Mounted Objects

    Materials

    Shell, Fabric

You May Also Like
  • African Spear Currency on Stands
    Located in Atlanta, GA
    This is a pair of vintage African spear currencies from the Mbole peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo which are nicely presented upon custom m...
    Category

    20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

    Materials

    Metal, Iron

  • Pair of African Spear Currencies on Stands
    Located in Atlanta, GA
    This is a pair of vintage African spear currencies from the Mbole peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo which are nicely presented upon custom m...
    Category

    20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

    Materials

    Metal

  • 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

  • Tibetan Coral Necklace with Silver Painted Wooden Beads c. 1900
    Located in Jimbaran, Bali
    A wonderful example of a Tibetan Coral Bead mala / neckpiece with a stunning mix of orange & red colours that have aged beautifully over the decades. Tib...
    Category

    Early 20th Century Tibetan Tribal Tribal Art

    Materials

    Coral, Silver

  • Nias Tribe 'Nifatali-tali' Hand-Woven Wire Necklace, Indonesia c. 1900
    Located in Jimbaran, Bali
    This 'Nifatali-tali' necklace is a type of necklace worn by the people of Northern Nias Island, North Sumatra. This necklace is equally worn by men and w...
    Category

    Early 20th Century Indonesian Tribal Tribal Art

    Materials

    Brass

  • Nias Tribe 'Nifatali-tali' Hand-Woven Wire Necklace, Indonesia c. 1900
    Located in Jimbaran, Bali
    This 'Nifatali-tali' necklace is a type of necklace worn by the people of Northern Nias Island, North Sumatra. This necklace is equally worn by men and w...
    Category

    Early 20th Century Indonesian Tribal Tribal Art

    Materials

    Brass

Recently Viewed

View All