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Reference
Category
Origin
Material
Quality
Fulani forged iron bar currency07.03.728
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Good overall conditions (small imperfections or signs of use)
This currency consists of a forged lingot with broadened middle section and long shaded ends with hammered decorations. They were much used for currency among the non-Moslem tribes and in the Moslem markets where pagan tribes came to trade.These forged iron bars were still in use until the second World war. The Eastern Fulani called them Losol, the Western Fulani: Tajere. (Taji pl.).
Ibo coilled manilla currency07.02.727
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
A thick cooper piece wound into a spiral, with bulbous ends. It was probably used in major transactions such as such as a groom paying bridewealth to the family of his bride. it could be melted and forged it into different tools that were necessary in day to day life, making it a preferred and useful standard of value.
African hoe 08.04.726
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Collected in Southertn Chad or Northern Caemroon. Its is not certain that the present hoe was also used as currency.
Mbole copper anklet07.05.725
- Copper & copper aloy
- High aesthetic value
- Excellent overall condition
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Museum quality (worthy to be added to a museum’s permanent collection)
These spherical copper rings, open on one side, were worn around the ankle as a display of status by both women and men of the Mbole tribe. Formed from copper, they were exchanged during marriage ceremonies. Copper was worked in Africa five-hundred years before the use of iron. This ancient material is associated with water and fertility.
African iron currency07.03.724
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Excellent overall condition
No references or documentation could be found regarding these 4 iron sheets. Despite their unknown origin, with their nice patina they make a beautiful design object. Any information regarding their origin is welcomed (info@ethnicdesign.ch)
Small Chamba hoe currency07.03.723
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Ceremonial dagger from the Benue region, Nigeria07.03.721
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
The form inspired by identical daggers with sharpened blades, the present example has a purely monetary function. The Tula, Vere and the Dadiya are small tribes living along the Benue river in Nigeria. These ceremonial daggers are also carried by young men in dance context.
Hoe currency07.03.720
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Exceptional well conserved piece, with beautiful patina. While the hoe as agricultural tool adapt its form to the type of soil, the sex and age of the worker, etc. the hoe as exchange money may adapt more fee form. The present piece may have been used as matrimonial compensation among the Mabila.
Spiral bundel currency07.03.719
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
- Excellent overall condition
Eleven iron rods with its extremities curved in a way to form 2 counter-set, small spirals joined with others to form a bundle. The surface shows a superb darkened shiny to crusty untouched age patina. It had no other specific function other than that of currency. From Northern Cameroon forged most likely by Kirdi or Matakam blacksmiths.
Double iron gong currency09.09.718
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Iron gongs are used by many different groups in Africa to set the rhythm for music, establishes the cadence for rituals, religious ceremonies or simply to beat time for dancing and entertainment. This one was probably also used as currency among the Bamileke
Small Cross Ksala ou Lualaba Region Congo07.05.715
- Copper & copper aloy
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
This small cooper cross is the smallest value of the much larger Katanga Cross. In perfect condition with a nice greenish patina.
Spear money - Congo?07.05.714
Spear head. money maybe from the Lomani region in Congo. Iron spear heads vary in size and shape from various ethnic groups, and even within one ethnic group. It is not always possible to distinguish the once produces as weapon and the one s made for trade.
Heavy torque money, unknown origin07.02.713
- Brass / bronze
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Torque currency, unknown origin07.05.712
- Brass / bronze
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
This heavy brass torque has a nice patina. The origine could not be clearly defined, it was collected in the 1970ties in French Wst Africa.
Mumuye torque with two "horns"07.02.711
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
During precolonial times it was quite frequent for traditional currencies to adapt the form of a torque. The present model is most likely from the Mumuye and Chamba ethnic group.
Torque currency - Fang07.05.709
- Brass / bronze
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
These heavy brass torques were used to pay the dowry. They were worn by Men and Women . There are finely chiseled geometrical decoration on both side s of the torque.
Ngala execution knife07.05.707
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Fair condition (some missing, broken or repaired parts, see pictures)
- Original condition
The Ngala have developed a special excution knife whose design was likely taken over from the Banza throwing knife (Fischer p. 109). the multi-bladed Banza knife was believed to have great magical powers.
Throwing knife Marghi, Mofu or Kapsiki Cameroon07.03.706
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Original condition
Beside it is called Mbérembéré we have fond no litterature or web reference for this item.
Ritual staff, probably Dogon07.01.705
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Making a gignity stzaff for the chief was a tough job for a blacksmith. Staffs reprensent the chiefs autority. The Dogon made staffs with small bells attached to it. The bells had to wake up the spirits and make them listen to the prayers adressed to them. All staffs are connected with Nommo the Creator of the first Hogon, the blacksmith. the iron staffs were mostly place nearby the grave of the ancestor-founder of the village. (Eerhardt p. 100 - 105)
Ritual Lobi Snake07.01.704
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
The Lobi snakes have always one or two heads. They were used as protective charms and used in transactions as money. Women who had to work in the fields attached the snakes to the legs of their calves to prevent them from snakebites.
Despite the dangers of living among snakes, many tribes in Burkina Faso have seen snakes as sacred. Killing or eating them was forbidden, while the shedding of their skin was a symbol of rebirth. The animals were more than a symbol; to some they were mediators between this world and the next. In particular, the Lobi and Gan people incorporated the snake motif into much of their brass and copper artworks, which served as decoration, protective amulets and adornment, shrine ornaments, and metal currency. (http://www.beprimitive.com/blog/welcome-to-burkina-fasssssso)
Ritual iron pole, Bukina Fasdo (Lobi?)07.01.703
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
Origin is uncertain, but the Lobi of Bukina Faso have similar ritual poles.
Nice small sickle from Congo07.05.702
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
- Excellent overall condition
Sickle of the Ngombé, Doko, and Poto tribes they have long been considered the most formidable blacksmiths in the area. Their influence in metalwork and innovative designs spread to many of their neighborsl such as Mbudja, the Ngbaka, the Mongo, the Bangala, the Yakoma, and the Ngbandi.
Kirdi iron currency07.04.701
- Iron
- Excellent overall condition
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
Very decorative kirdi currency
Throwing knife Magali / Fali08.01.700
- Iron
- Original condition
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
According to ethnological literature the form of this throwing knife from the Magali and Falli tribe in Northern Cameroon reminds one of the cock, which plays an important role in theitr cult belief.
Throwing knife North Cameroon07.03.699
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Fair condition (some missing, broken or repaired parts, see pictures)
Throwing knife used by Marghi-Mofu, or Kapsiki of Northern Cameroun-Tchad, called Mbérembéré.
Throwing Knife Sara07.04.697
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
This throwing knife comes from the southeastern Sara, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.
Throwing Knife Chad07.04.696
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Original condition
This throwing knife comes from the southeastern Chad, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.
Throwing Knife Chad07.04.695
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
- Original condition
This throwing knife comes from the southeastern Chad, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.
Throwing Knife Chad - Teda?07.04.694
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
- Original condition
Collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters. The present throwing knife is probable of Teda ( a sub-group of the Tubu) origin.
Throwing Knife Chad08.01.693
- Iron
- Original condition
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
This throwing knife comes from the southeastern Chad, collected during my stay in Sahr in the 1980 ties. Southern Chad is believed by many to be the birthplace of the African throwing knife. Known as ngalio, these throwing knives were often carried in bunches of three or more in custom leather quivers. Unlike other African weapon-types where style trumps function, this is a purely functional form, used for fighting and hunting. They served as missiles with a range of up to 30 meters.