Mounted 19th Century Afo Iron Currency

Late 19th-early 20th century iron currency, kurr, Sara-Madjingaye peoples, Southern Chad. These rare currencies have a wonderfully minimalist anthropomorphic form, but were inspired...

19th century hammer currency, Ensuba, Bafia People, Cameroon Sometimes referred to as potato masher currency, but known to the Bafia people as ensuba,...

This tall, elegant iron currency, from the Mumuye culture in Nigeria, dates back to the nineteenth-century. The currency displays a long, spoon-shaped form, with attractive spiral fe...

This nineteenth-century spiral currency (Manilla), from the Igbo culture in Nigeria, is impressive in its size and exhibits a wonderfully exaggerated twisted, spiral form. Spiral ir...

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron example was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were modeled after objects of inherent value, resulting in sculptural combinations of function and beauty. This large iron spear dates to the early 20th century and is attributed to the Kuba people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Secured to a narrow handle of iron and wood, the flattened blade has an elegant, sloping silhouette, subtly textured with raised lines and a rusted, antique patina. Forged as a broadleaf spear, the weapon contrasts a violent potential with images of peaceful branches swaying in the wind. We've set this unusual Kuba spear...

A fine incised iron flat spiral currency from the Mumuye in Nigeria. A similar example of iron currency can be found in the Ghysels Collection, as published in 'A World of Belts' (20...

A pair of West African incised iron and copper wire axe form currency pieces or may have used as dance wands. On custom mounts. In the form of a ritual axe, which in many parts of A...

This set of 3 pieces of African currency is very interesting. Looking like some sort of ancient maraca, these 19th century pieces jingle and noise-make with each step. The dimensions...

The price is for an individual currency and includes the custom made stand. The shape of a Mfunte currency has a seemingly simple yet complex design. The forged iron surface was scratched in an end-to-end direction to create a visually interesting surface, a central raised vein to create two sections, and swelling was incorporated on the front at the straight end. The aging of the iron has further added to the texture and attractiveness of the design. Colonial coinage replaced Africa's traditional iron currencies...

While shield and spear were central to African combat, this iron sword blade was most likely made to serve as a piece of trade currency. Many pre-colonization African currencies were...