A Life in Ruins: Douglas Dawson, 35 Years of Art and Antiques 
13 July 2017
, African Currency, pair - Image 1 of 1
A Life in Ruins: Douglas Dawson, 35 Years of Art and Antiques 
, African Currency, pair - Image 1 of 1
137

African Currency, pair

Nigeria/Cameroon, Early 20th Century
iron 33 h × 20 w × 6 d in (84 × 51 × 15 cm)
estimate: $2,000–3,000
result: $1,875
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Additional example measures: 30 h x 20 w x 6 d inches.

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Many pre-modern traditional African cultures made and used metal currency tokens for important transactions such as bride price, military service, trading privileges and sealing political agreements. Iron, bronze and brass forging and casting are among Africa’s most ancient arts. The currencies were often based on weaponry, farm tools, or jewelry forms although they themselves were not utilitarian. Their strong sculptural form and rich surfaces link them with 20th century sculptural aesthetics.

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