AFRICAN TRIBAL CURRENCIES 07 / North Eastern Nigeria & Cameroon 07.03 Your search result
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The blacksmiths of the ethnic groups of Northern Cameroon and North East Nigeria produced a large variety of iron currencies...read more
The blacksmiths of the ethnic groups of Northern Cameroon and North East Nigeria produced a large variety of iron currencies for the different tribes. The main mountain range, the Mandara mountains, are inhabited by various ethic groups, Kirdi, Mafa, Mofou, Kapsiki, Podoko and others. Their blacksmiths, the Sukur, were highly skilled in the production of iron bars. The so called Dubil, iron bars of 40 cm of length were then used for the production of tools, weapons and currencies. For centuries iron played an important media of exchange and ore in the region.
read lessManila Sao22.02.855
- Brass / bronze
- Can be delivered cleaned and polished
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Manila sao22.02.854
- Brass / bronze
- Antiques (object shows signs of long use)
- Excellent overall condition
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Kapsiki brass bracelet01.02.827
- Brass / bronze
- Can be delivered cleaned and polished
- Excellent overall condition
- Jewelry for collection or exquisite wearing.
Sakina currency of the Sara (Chad)07.03.746
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
These small and thin currencies was widely used throughout Southern Chad and spread even into Niger. Quiggin suggest that the form is influenced by a hoe used in neighboring Darfur and Kodofan. " it was custom to give a certain amount of hoe currency to the fiancée and her father during the engagement ceremonies" (Vitoor p.79). Our collection was acquired during may stay in Chad from 1982 to 1986. They may have been forged by the Kaba, a sub group of the sara tribe. Several ethnic groups use different names: Kokio, Koké, Nari-dul, Lar-ndul, Senne.
Iron Scepter Currency Ga'Anda / Kirdi07.03.732
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
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.
Fulani forged iron bar with snake head07.03.731
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
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.).
Iron spear money 07.03.730
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Beautiful designed spear money. The origine is uncertain, could be Chamba, nevertheless its a great design object.
Ceremonial pole Kirdi?19.04.729
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an 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.
Yukuni forged iron bar currency "Iosol"07.03.728
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Good overall conditions (small imperfections or signs of use)
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.).
African hoe 08.04.726
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Collected in Southertn Chad or Northern Caemroon. Its is not certain that the present hoe was also used as currency.
African iron currency07.03.724
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Excellent overall condition
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)
Small Chamba hoe currency07.03.723
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Ceremonial dagger from the Benue region, Nigeria07.03.721
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
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.
Hoe currency07.03.720
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
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.
Spiral bundel currency07.03.719
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
- Excellent overall condition
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.
Double iron gong currency09.09.718
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
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
Throwing knife Marghi, Mofu or Kapsiki Cameroon07.03.706
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Original condition
Beside it is called Mbérembéré we have fond no litterature or web reference for this item.
Kirdi iron currency07.04.701
- Iron
- Excellent overall condition
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
Very decorative kirdi currency
Throwing knife Magali / Fali08.01.700
- Iron
- Original condition
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
According to ethnological literature the form of this throwing knife from the Magali and Falli tribe in Northern Cameroon reminds one of the cock, which plays an important role in theitr cult belief.
Throwing knife North Cameroon07.03.699
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Fair condition (some missing, broken or repaired parts, see pictures)
Throwing knife used by Marghi-Mofu, or Kapsiki of Northern Cameroun-Tchad, called Mbérembéré.
Lobi snake curreny07.03.691
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
Lobi Iron Currency in Snake form from Burkina Faso. Made by the village Blacksmith. This snake was used as a trade object by the Tribe. Coiled iron snakes were also placed atop hearths in homes, supposedly to ward off evil spirits and to protect them from a snake's bit. An important health amulet.
Ceremonial iron axe - Mandara mountains07.03.598
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Similar model spread among various ethnic groups around the mandara mountains in Northern Cameroon. The shape of the axe may represent a stylized head of a roster, a sacred animal among the Fali tribe.
Small Matakam Mafa siral curreny07.03.411
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Mafa Matakam spiral currency07.03.410
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
A two spiral cueency from Norther Cameroon. The front is finely ciselled. Rosty otherwise in good condition.
Fine hoe currency Cameroon or Congo07.03.406
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Fine hoe currency with nice black patina and a highly decorative shape. A similar object in Bellarini's "The Perfect Form" is ether attributed to the Backwele in Congo or the Makai of Western Cameroon.
Chamba iron currency07.03.401
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- High aesthetic value
- Delivered with it's own stand
Width: 180 mm Weight: 245 gr
Very special piece, an flattened iron bar with hook shaped appendices attached to it-
Iron spiraled bundle currency07.03.400
- Iron
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Diameter: 120 mm Weight: 800 gr
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.
Spiraled bundle iron currency07.03.399
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Diameter: 120 mm Weight: 400 gr
Eight 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.
Spiraled bundle Currency07.03.398
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
Largest diameter 150 mm Weight: 500 gr
Eight 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.
Mumuye forged bundle currency07.03.393
- Iron
- High aesthetic value
- Collectible (fine or rare example of an object)
- Excellent overall condition
Diameter: 130 mm Weight: 700 gr
An iron pole with a bunch of thin blades sticking out of it, giving the currency a tree like shape. The curved extensions with stylized snake heads gives a wonderful aesthetic shape. These Snake currency are forged of an iron spike splitting into 'branches', without any points of welding. Each of which resembles a snake. Used by the Gourmangé speaking peoples (Mumuye, Lobi, etc.) in North Eastern Nigeria,