Angas, Nigeria
Early 20th century
Iron
22.5 x 15 in. / 57 x 38 cm
Height on custom display stand: 27.25 in. / 69 cm
The large currency forms are comprised of a heavy sheet of iron forged into the shape of a curved hoe. They were customary gifts for a bride’s father as well as having a function during wedding celebrations (Ballarini, The Perfect Form, 2009).
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Angas, Nigeria
Early 20th century
Iron
29.5 x 20.5 in. / 75 x 52 cm
Height on custom display stand: 33.25 in. / 84 cm
Weight: 20.6 pounds / 9.34 kg
Combined weight with base: 43.8 pounds / 19.9 kg
The large currency forms are comprised of a heavy sheet of iron forged into the shape of a curved hoe. They were customary gifts for a bride’s father as well as having a function during wedding celebrations (Ballarini, The Perfect Form, 2009).
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Nigeria
Early 20th century
21 x 4.5 in. / 53.5 x 11.25 cm
Height on custom display stand: 22.25” / 56.25 cm
This currency object belongs to a group of hoe-currencies that were produced in various shapes in eastern Nigeria. They are typically covered in brush-shaped lines, scratches, or engravings. The Chamba blacksmiths are very skilled craftsmen who manufactured a large quantity of iron handicrafts. They are famous for their artistic currency used by many groups living in eastern Nigeria, from the Taraba River to the Mandara Mountains (Ballarini, The Perfect Form, 2009).
Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.
Southeast Democratic Republic of Congo
Hammered Copper
Early 20th Century
Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 5 in. / 22 x 22 x 13 cm
Height on Custom Display Stand: 13 in. / 33 cm
Expertly mounted on a custom steel base painted black.
Mbole’s classic elegant form of a somewhat flattened circle, with a simply designed ankle cut out allows both sexes to wear them as a display of wealth and prestige.
The desirable and valuable properties of metal – strength, endurance, and malleability – make it an obvious candidate for use as currency. Many African cultures created a signature currency design that ultimately became an iconic cultural emblem over time. As with all exchanges, the larger or more important the transaction, the larger the cost, which is where an uncommonly large piece of currency, such as this, would be required. I often muse on how the community settled on a specific design. Was one artist tasked with the project, was there a competition? How was the decision made? By whom – the elders, the chief or the chief’s wife? Whoever made the decision, it was an important one with enduring symbolism.
Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.
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