Items Similar to 19th Century African Iron Currency Mfunte Mfumte Nigeria Cameroon

Large African Bronze Currency from Benin Tribe of Nigeria on Base

Pair of Iron Spatulate Currencies, Chamba or Mambila, Cameroon or Nigeria

African Topoke Iron Currency Blade, c. 1900

Early 20th Century Tribal Currency, Chamba People, Nigeria

Large African Bronze Currency on Base

Iron Spear Currency, Topoke, DR Congo

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 11

19th Century African Iron Currency Mfunte Mfumte Nigeria Cameroon

$1,250

£942.39

€1,096.97

CA$1,758.56

A$1,768.85

CHF 1,030.66

MX$21,550.87

NOK 11,853.27

SEK 12,159.08

DKK 8,199.15

About the Item

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. This iron currency, shaped like a stretched hide, was circulated as a means of payment across northeastern Nigeria and northern Cameroon. It was also used for dowry payments in marriage contracts. As late as the 1950s, it was still used for payments in local markets (Ballarini, The Perfect Form, 2009; Ginzberg, African Forms, 2000). We have a few of this style of currency, some are mounted horizontally. See the images for additional available pieces and their mounting style.

Dimensions:
Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Iron,Forged
Place of Origin:
Nigeria
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1870 - 1970
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Point Richmond, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: MOG #CMA1stDibs: LU1778234462252

More From This Seller

View All

Hoe-Shaped Iron Currency "Mbili Ngbaka, " Ngbaka, D.R. Congo

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Hoe-Shaped Currency "Mbili Ngbaka," Ngbaka, D.R. Congo 20th century Iron, accumulation 16 x 7 in. / 41 x 18 cm Height on custom display stand: 18.25 in. / 46 cm This interesting type of iron currency was used for major transactions such as dowry payments. The two wings added to the lower tips of the hoe underline the non-utilitarian character of this type of currency (Ballarini, "The Perfect Form...

Category

20th Century Congolese Other Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Iron Spear Currency, Topoke, DR Congo

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Topoke, DR Congo, Africa Iron Early 20th century 36 x 6 in. / 91 x 15 cm. Height on custom display stand: 38.25 in. / 97 cm. These big iron spear points were made by groups livi...

Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Other Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Large Curved Hoe Currency, Angas, Nigeria

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Extra Large Curved Hoe Currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron 25.25 x 17.5 in. / 64 x 44 cm Height on custom display stand: 29.75 in. / 76 cm Weight: 12.8 pounds / 5.8 kg Combined weight with base: 20.6 pounds / 9.3 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...

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Other Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Extra Large Curved Hoe Currency, Angas, Nigeria

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Extra Large Curved Hoe currency Angas, Nigeria Early 20th century Iron Measures: 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...

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Other Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Pair of Iron Spatulate Currencies, Chamba or Mambila, Cameroon or Nigeria

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Pair of iron flat spatulate currency pieces, made by the Chamba or Mambila peoples of Cameroon or Nigeria. Mid 20th century or older. 10 1/2 inches high for larger currency. Pair ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Cameroonian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Tribal Currency, Chamba People, Nigeria

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Forged iron currency, Chamba people, Northeastern Nigeria A piece of traditional currency used for barter or exchange, it measures 15 inches (38 cm) high by 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide...

Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Iron

Mambila / Chamba Hoe African Currency — North Eastern Nigeria & Cameroon

Located in New York, NY

A sculptural iron form once used as currency among the Mambila and Chamba peoples of northeastern Nigeria and the Cameroon highlands, this forged hoe-shaped object embodies the inter...

Category

Antique 1890s Cameroonian Tribal Mounted Objects

Materials

Metal, Iron

Kirdi Forged Iron Currency – Tribal Currency Blade, Cameroon, 19th Century

Located in New York, NY

Before the widespread adoption of coinage, many African societies developed sophisticated systems of exchange using forged metal objects as currency. These iron forms—used in marriag...

Category

Antique 1890s Cameroonian Tribal Mounted Objects

Materials

Iron

African Currency, Thoung Knife

Located in Dallas, TX

Most forms were developed from traditional metal objects that were already in use such as weapons, tools, bracelets and anklets. While some continued to be functional for work or dec...

Category