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An Unusually Large 19th Century Topoke Tribe Currency Sword
$1,725
£1,311.47
€1,513.49
CA$2,414.54
A$2,703.64
CHF 1,410.62
MX$32,941.83
NOK 17,899.80
SEK 17,017.94
DKK 11,297.22
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About the Item
This currency sword, like most African trade currency items, was used as a way to transfer wealth for the purpose of buying land or animals but is most often associated with the significant transfer of wealth completing marriage contracts thus compensating a family for the loss of a daughter. These items can be as small as copper and bronze bracelets and small cower shell-shaped items to large bars of metal. Each piece is shaped by hand and is designed to follow traditional forms used in the village but not intended to be used as that object. Knives and spears are most associated with family wealth, not personal wealth. The Topoke peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo make some of the largest of these kinds of objects and most often use the form of spearheads but rarely are larger than 60 inches. This piece is unusually large at a height of 70 inches. This currency piece is further crafted with a compact liner pattern set within the framed border. An original 19th-century tribal object the surface is completely the natural patina and displays its linage and form well. This would make a fine statement in any tribal art collection and is displayed on a custom made iron stand
Condition Disclosure:
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done to the best of our knowledge, as is the case with any antique and vintage item,
there is a possibility that at some point in the life of the piece that there
may have been damaged which has been professionally repaired and
as such a repair undetectable, it is therefore impossible for us to disclose...
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- Dimensions:Height: 75 in (190.5 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1870 to 1880
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Hudson, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: 14062081131142
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