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African Currency
African Currency
Afo Culture, Nigeria, 19th Century
iron 29 h × 20 w × 2 d in (74 × 51 × 5 cm)
iron 29 h × 20 w × 2 d in (74 × 51 × 5 cm)
estimate: $2,000–3,000
Includes custom metal stand.
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.
