Ethnic Design Collection Reto Zehnder

Four of them without feet. The shape of the Kissi money is rather odd. Its characteristic form is a twisted rod of iron with flattened ends: a flat, hoe-like spatula at one end (Nileng) and a sharpened ‘T’ at the other (Kodo) the bundle of 20 pieces was called Bournou. Kissi pennies were in use until mid 20th century.

An interesting  forged iron scepter with 13 projectiles from the Ga-anda people of North Cameroon and Nigeria. Such scepters were probably  used by farmers as well as by priests and diners as their insignia of rank and as power objects as they are said to be invested with supernatural forces.The whimsical "rooster crest" shape, called also Baton Wanshipta, has a beautiful aesthetic shape for display.

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.).

Beautiful designed spear money. The origine is uncertain, could be Chamba, nevertheless its a great design object.

Origin of object unknown, any complementary information is welcomed on my mailbox. The crown with its spiraled end looks like some Kirdi / Matakam currencies. the pole is in perfect condition and mounted on a stand could be a nice design item.

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.).

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.

Collected in Southertn Chad or Northern Caemroon. Its is not certain that the present hoe was also used as currency.

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. 

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)

Origin not confirmed, any further information would be welcomed, info@etnicdesign.ch

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.

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.

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.

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

Very old and highly uaed axe from Ethiopia, can make an interesting design item.

This exceptional, quadrangular shapend copper currency from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, is the master piece of my collection. Its size is extremely rare and its condition is perfect. It comes with a beautiful, specially tailored stand. Pieces of this size were most probably only used as dowry. According to Bellarini these torque shape takes its origin from the Manillas exported by the Portuguese.

This small cooper cross is the smallest value of the much larger Katanga Cross. In perfect condition with a nice greenish patina.

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.

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.

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.

Theorigin of this beautifull brass torque could not be defined. Any information in this regard is wellcome. No litterature or web reference could be found for this item.

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.

The sickle-knifes of the Mangbetu come in various shapes and handles. This one has a wooden handle with wire-windings.

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.

Beside it is called Mbérembéré we have fond no litterature or web reference for this item.

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)

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)