SCOTT SEMANS WORLD COINS
AFRICAN ETHNOGRAPHIC MONEY

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NEW LISTINGS
HOE MONIES
IRON MONIES
TWIST "MANILLAS"
KING / QUEEN MANILLAS
TRADE MANILLAS
BRACELET MONEY
CONGO LEGBANDS
COPPER BULLION
WEAPON MONIES
TRADE BEADS
MISCELLANEOUS
ANTIQUITIES & CRAFTS



PLACE ORDER
REFERENCES:   Numerous books are cited here, which you will find described and usually offered for sale on my Numismatic References: Ethnographic page. There is no really good, comprehensive, scholarly work on African traditional monies. Opitz's An Ethnographic Study of Traditional Money has photos and capsule descriptions of most items you will encounter, but lacks the depth many collectors wish for. Ballarini's two works have nice photos of exceptional specimens, but again only limited information. Very useful for Nigerian items are Eyo (impossible to find now) and Johansson. My standard answer to "How old is it?" is: "probably 1850-1950." If you want a better answer, you will have to do your own research. Secondary sources such as Quiggin, Guyer, Kriger, Herbert, and Rivallain (all women!) are good starts. For two well-researched, fairly extensive collections see the John Henry site, and the Museum of Making. Some excellent and rare pieces are illustrated at the Hamill Gallery site, though some are dubious as currency items, and the Hurst Gallery is not modest in its markups! African traders offer brass and iron items with clear decorative, religious, agricultural, or other functions as "money" and some of them probably ARE money, but without some scholarly confirmation of exchange use or wealth display, I pass them up or offer as antiquities.

THE MARKET   Since the rise of the Africa Traders in the late 1980s, trade beads and metal objects have come out of Africa to collector markets in great volume. See analysis. The perfect specimens with attractive shapes go first to the European galleries where they command huge prices. This prompts more diligent searches at the source, usually resulting in more specimens of equal or lower quality sold into the North American markets. Many of the Africa Traders in North America work out of the same neighborhood in West Hollywood, CA. They drive up the coast with their wares, and my hometown of Seattle is their turnaround point, where they like to dump what remains for what they can get, and head home with cash to buy something new. For objects where form, style, and quality vary little, you can buy from me virtually the same objects you would get at a gallery, but for much less. You will also find here workaday money objects that have been used as money, and show it, and are priced accordingly. I have been buying this material since the late 1980s, so you will find here types that have become scarce in recent years as well as the latest finds.

ILLUSTRATIONS:   Click on the thumbnail to see a larger scan. Please forgive the scanner pasteup lines! Size of scan is not related to size of actual object; look in the description for sizes. Sometimes the scan is not of the actual piece being offered, but a general illustration representing multiple specimens in stock. This is usually indicated in the description, but please ask if you are unsure.


NEW ARRIVALS & SPECIALS

Short King Manilla?   Bent copper bar with flared ends, much like a King manilla but shorter Twisted facet pattern. 340p) 30.5 oz. (878gm) 7.5" (184m) across Hard green patination suggests age 100.00
Ngelima / Mbole Arch   Heavy, impressive brass pieces cast as rounded arches, thick in the center and thinner at the ends. Ballarini (#75) attributes them to the Ngelima of the lower Ituri and the Mbole of the Lomami, and peoples in between (Zaire). These are harder to find now. 339n) 7 Lb. (3.2 kilo) 7.5" (192m) across Usual seven facets across top. Crack in end and side (scan shows) plus another much smaller other end. 225.00
Kipinga Throwing Knife   Descended from the Tronbash of Sudan (itself a currency item) the true throwing knife as weapon developed a characteristic and deadly form among the peoples of plain and savannah, but served as a prestige and currency item in the forests, beginning just above the Ubangi River, where knife-throwing is impractical. Among some tribes they acquired breakable wooden handles and underwent a "devolution" of form to a straighter shape, as neatly illustraed in F&Z #176-178. As Quiggin notes (p.69, top) they were a true multi-function currency between the Congo and Ubangi Rivers, among the Ngbaka, Ngbandi and their neighbors (collectively ".Bangala"). This shape is the "true" Kipinga (Felix Region VIII, Thomas chart "N"), Zande region of C.A.R. & Zaire, south east portion of throwing-knife usage area.      575j) 17.5" (445m) Tall Seriously rusted. $145
Zaire Kipinga Variants   Creative variants of the more northerly throwing knives, used as dowry or status weapons.   574a) Sickle-headed piece, 19.5" (500m) tall with bug-eaten wooden handle. Thinner metal than true Kipingas. Rusted, but intact but for ragged top. $100   574b)Novel arrow-headed piece with wooden handle and copper wrappings around thick iron core. Simple etched design. 28.5" (725m) tall. Surface rust, break in wood handle and tarry pitch onbody but generally good condition. $150
Trombash   Status and currency knife of the Mangbetu, Bushongo and other N.E. Zaire tribes, its form shows influence of throwing knives. Iron blade with fluid topknot and large circular holes. Felix #95, 96; Opitz p. 357-8; Quiggin p. 86; Ballarini #44-46.   526e) Waved top,, offset angle bottom, 3 holes. 13" (330m) tall. (Felix #95) $150
Kapsiki Axe   Cameroun, Iron hatchet form with concave edge, topknot; welded-on iron handle with enlarged end. Likely a derivitive of the throwing knife or Trombash, but use as currency uncertain. Westerdiijk (Mabel #56-57) and Zirngibl (1983) describe as a status weapon.   527a) Typical piece, 15-16" (400m) tall. Sample shown. $65.00;   527f) Smaller piece, 14" tall, with leather-wrapped handle $65;   527p) Aluminium blade & handle, handle wrapped in leather. Aluminium was a valued metal before the extraction proces became cheap, and versions of other currency items in copper and iron turn up in this metal. 15.5" (400m) tall. $75

Aluminium Beads   (Ethiopia) In the late 19th Cent. before a cheap extraction process was invented, aluminium was as or more valuable than silver. These look like tarnished silver and may have been worn by Ethiopians as a light-weight substitute. Africans generally ascribe healing properties to metals based on color, and examples of currency objects and bracelets of forms known normally in copper occasionally turn up in well worn aluminium. Bead size ranges 5-7mm square, strands 30-32"    741a) "Soft" square beads, filed or worn $15;    741b) "Hard" square beads, less worn, sharper edges $15;    741s) One strand each $25    (Note: there are strays in each strand.)
NEW BOOK   Africa Mint Catalog by Ivan Florine   Both a marketing tool for a series of African collector-coins and a pictorial gallery of African ethnographic monies. Some coins show money forms (Katanga cross, Mambilla, Manilla, throwing knife, etc.) and not all variants are catalogued in KM. Gallery of 231 ethnographic monies (30pp.) is not comprehensive nor referenced (and some of dubious monetary status), but the photos and tribal attributions are useful. Multilingual. Insert with specs. and market values (way high!)   105p, sc, 5.75x8.25", 2006   $29.50
Mbole Collar   Brass. Circular shape with narrow opening, plain rounded gauge tapering toward enlarged points at ends, etched rectangular tab at top. Larger, fancier version of an item published in The Art of Money - African Metal Work and Currency (.pdf), an exhibition at the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts in Eatonville, FL May-Aug, 2007, curated by Eric D. Robertson (I can send you by email). 78.5 oz. (2.22K), 9.5 x 11" (240 x 285m). Two nearly identical pieces in stock.    324b) $225
"Perfect" Congo Legbands   Heavy legbands were worn by women to demonstrate their husbands' wealth. Attached at marriage and removed at death, they show signs of wear and ends may be bent or out of true from removal. However, the art market favors condition over authenticity. I recently purchased some exceptionally nice condition pieces picked by a Trader from stocks in Africa, and destined for a gallery. I can offer them at a reasonable advance over less perfect specimens: HERE.
Trade Bead "Collection" Strings   Mixed strand of trade beads. A good way to build a collection of types which would be costly in full strings. Look them up in Dubin or other references. Multiple orders: I can select "different" strings, but there will be some overlap of bead types. 2+ strands either type, take 10% discount. Scans show multiple strings.   651) Medium-value Trade Beads 24.50   576 Low value, mostly smaller and later types $6.50



CALABAR ROD CURRENCIES      THE OLDEST AFRICAN TRADE MONEY


      Long before Western Europeans captured the Africa trade with coastal voyages in the 15th and 16th Centuries and introduced Manillas, copper rods were part of the trans-Sahara trade from Arab and Byzantine lands. "Calabar Rod" is the generic trader term applied later to all copper bullion in rod form. In Nigerian Primitive Currencies (p.44), S. O. Johansson quotes and summarizes Barbot, a traveller in Old Calabar writing in 1698: "The English and Dutch import a great deal of copper in small bars round and equal about 3 feet long weighing about a pound and a quarter, which the Blacks of Calabar work with much art, splitting the bar into 3 parts from one end to the other, which they polish as fine as gold and twist the 3 pieces together very ingeniously like cords to make what sorts of arm rings they please." He also said that these copper bars, as was also the case with iron bars, were trading currency, i.e. were used only in transactions between Europeans and natives, the latter working them into various objects such as arm rings mentioned above, which he called Bochie. See Johansson p.14 for a small specimen without knot & Schaedler Earth and Ore p.328 for knot type.
      Judging from the typical state of the metal, my guess is that Bochie bracelets are the oldest rod product (likely preceding the first Manillas), with Mondua contemporary or a bit later, while single-bend forms such as Okpoho okuk (Eyo p.64) and coil forms such as Nja of Igboland and the compact multi-coil forms are more recent, though some coils show age. Calabar rod is found in both brass and copper. A well-documented find of buried brass rod is dated to the 12th century, so we can not presume copper pieces to be older. The metals are easily distinguished by making a small cut, which will gleam reddish for copper, or yellow-white for brass.
      Probably due to their size Mondua have become popular in the art market, while the more corroded-looking Bochie are less appreciated, and still inexpensive.

Twist Bochie   As Barbot noted, the typical form is that of a single copper bar split along most of its length, then ingeniously twisted together to form a bracelet shape with the bar ends nested in the rounded bracelet ends. The bracelet ends overlap to varying extent. At least one writer believes this form mimics earlier twisted raffia (cloth) bracelets; arguably earlier bracelets from Jenne-Jeno include twist types. These facts and examination of the relative condition of the metals suggest to me that the no-knot types may precede those with knots. Toned copper, usually with green or red patina. Measurement across widest point; Taler shown for size is 40mm. Click on stock number to see specimen.
# Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price    # Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price
55a 105mm 15.5 oz symmetrical SOLD   55b 109m 17 oz asymmetrical SOLD
55c 135mm 20.3 oz no overlap. Armband size. 80.00   
56a 120mm 64.5 oz Massive piece. Rich red and green patina suggest great age. Two specimens of nearly same weight suggest a standard. SOLD    56b 120mm 65 oz Massive piece. Rich red and green patina suggest great age. Two specimens of nearly same weight suggest a standard. 195.00

Twist-&-Knot Bochie (Bracelet)   As with the previous category, made from a single Calabar rod, spliced and twisted with rounded ends nesting the bar ends, but with a knot at top as well. Toned copper, usually with green or red patina. Measurement across widest point; Taler shown for size is 40mm. Click on stock number to see specimen.
# Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price    # Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price
57a 125mm 10.6 oz one rounded end missing. 23.50    57b 132mm 9.6 oz asymmetrical 40.00
57c 105mm (4") 9.25 oz 23m overlap. little patina SOLD   57d 120mm 10.9 oz Break below knot. Heavy patina. 25.00
57e 109mm 10.6 oz 35m overlap. Moderate patina. 45.00    57f 104mm 8.4 oz 60m overlap. Heavy patina & soil. 40.00
57j 102mm 9.25 oz 70m overlap. Heavy patina. SOLD    57L 110m 5.3 oz No overlap. Moderate patina. 40.00
57m 94m 9.9 oz 50% overlap. Dark tone. Small break 2:00 45.00    57p 103mm 5.5 oz BRASS. 90% overlap. Slightly asymmetrical. 50.00
57q 96m 6.6 oz 100+% overlap. Both ends cut. 45.00    57r 89mm 9.5 oz 250% overlap (3 coils). Protruding, bulbous ends. 100.00

Twist-&-Knot Bochie (Armband)   As the bracelets but generally heavier, wider diameter, and more overlap of ends. On some pieces the bar ends have been extended and flattended with designs etched on flattened ends and knot. Toned copper, usually with green or red patina. Measurement across widest point; Taler shown for size is 40mm. Click on stock number to see specimen.
# Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price    # Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price
58a 139m 22.1 oz 60% overlap. Brown tone with some green. 100.00    58b 150mm 17.2 oz 50% overlap. Brown tone with some green. 90.00
58c 140mm 21.1 oz 75% overlap. Protruding, bulbous ends. Brown color. 135.00   
59a 115mm 9.9 oz Leaf-shaped flattened ends with design, poss. intended as snake? Circles punched into knot. Medium brown with bits of red & green. 100.00    59b 117mm 10.6 oz Thin, leaf-shaped flattened ends but design mostly flaking away. Crusty red & green. 75.00
59c 115mm 17.3 oz Very thick, flattened ends with shape and design of snake head. Scale pattern on knot. Dark brown with a few spots of old, dark green. Brass, not copper. Attractive piece. 175.00   

Twist-&-Knot Bochie (Collar)   Similar to the bracelets and armbands, but open and wearable as a collar. Much more often than the other forms, these are found brown (= cleaned in past, or not buried) and asymmetrical, indicating that they were actually worn. They are easy to bend, so can be re-rounded. Measurement across widest point; Taler shown for size is 40mm. Click on stock number to see specimen.
# Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price    # Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price
61j 185mm 20 oz Brass. Bar ends protrude slightly. Brown, some soil. 85.00    61f 172mm 20 oz Bar ends overlap bracelet ends & flatten. Chip in knot; see rred-X in scan. Brown with gren areas. 65.00
61g 180mm 16 oz Bar ends protruding & swollen manilla-style. Brown with green areas. 95.00   

Twist & Knot Bochie: Compact   Largest of the twist-and-knot Bochie. These are found both compact / symmetrical and open / asymmetrical, suggesting that the compact form is for storage, but some pieces are opened out and worn. Toned copper, usually with green or red patina. Measurement across widest point; Taler shown for size is 40mm. Click on stock number to see specimen.
# Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price    # Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price
60a 100mm 23.2 oz 100% overlap. Ends in line with top knot; will stand up. Manilla-style ends. Medium brn. tone with crusty soil. 175.00    60g 120mm 82 oz 75% overlap. Massive piece! Green tone, some soil. 275.00
60d 176mm 52 oz Just 20% overlap. May have been opened and worn.. Patchy red & green. 185.00    60e 195mm 38 oz. Completely open. Asymmetrical. Light brown. 145.00

Calabar Coils (Copper)   Probably Nigeria, Cross River region 18-19th Cent.? European "Calabar rod" wire coiled for wearing (or storage?) by the Africans. Darkly patinated copper (not brass). Chart below shows wire gauge (thickness) in mm; outer diameter in mm, and weight in ounces. Taler shown for size is 40mm.
# Gauge Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price    # Gauge Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price
67a 11.5-12.5 85mm 25-27 oz 3+ coils. One of 2 specimens shown. 40.00    67b 11.5-12.5 85mm 29-31 oz 3 coils. One of 3 specimens shown. 45.00
67c 10 80mm 48 oz 9 coils SOLD   67d 10 107mm 28 oz 4+ coils. Wearable. 42.50
67e 8 77m 22 oz 6.5 coils 35.00    67f 8 77m 27 oz 8 coils SOLD
67g 6 74mm 19 oz 10 coils. Patina & soil crusting. 32.50    67h 6 70mm 17 oz 10 coils 30.00

Calabar Coils (Brass)   Probably Nigeria, Cross River region 18-19th Cent.? European "Calabar rod" wire coiled for wearing (or storage?) by the Africans. Darkly patinated brass, looks much like copper but does not develop red & green patches. Chart below shows wire gauge (thickness) in mm; outer diameter in mm, and weight in ounces. Taler shown for size is 40mm.
# Gauge Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price    # Gauge Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price
71a 10 103mm 35 oz 5 coils. Wearable size. Soil encrusting. 45.00    71b 10 87mm 43 oz 7.75 coils. Some soil. 50.00
71c 10 90mm 36 oz 6 coils. 45.00    71f 9 80mm 30 oz 8 coils; 1 coil "loose" from stack 40.00
71g 8 70mm 26 oz 8.25 coils; enc coils slightly embedded in stack. 35.00    71j 8 73mm 22 oz 7 coils 30.00
71k 8 82mm 20 oz 5.5 coils 30.00    71r 12 79mm 48 oz 8 coils. Rod has two lengthwise grooves. SOLD

Clabar Coils (Small)   Thin gauge (6mm) brass Calabar rod, generally 4 coils, width 70-80mm. Missionary and ethnographic money dealer Paul Dillingham advises they were used in French Cameroun in the 1890s; he saw them listed on old invoices of French trading companies. Much more common than coils of wider-gauge wire.    72) Typical pieces: $18.50; Pair $30
72g) Patinated and heavily crusted specimens; typical pieces shown: 20.00
72s) Three pieces joined together chain fashion: 45.00

Irregular Coils   Calabar rod is generally smooth, rounded, and of even gauge. The rod in these pieces is rough and uneven. This suggests either older Calabar rod, or a product of African smiths. Also, one or both ends are tapered, suggesting either a pinching as the wire was drawn to a desired length, or filing. Chart below shows wire gauge (thickness) in mm. Measurement across widest point; Taler shown for size is 40mm. Click on stock number to see specimen.
# Gauge Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price    # Gauge Diam. Weight
Remarks
Price
79a 0-10 79mm 11.2 oz 4 coils. Red copper. Very irregular, squarish rod, tapered ends. Patchy black tar. Supplier says from Congo. 45.00    79b 0-10 74mm 12.3 oz 5 coils. Red copper. Very irregular, squarish rod,; tapered ends. Decorative hatching on exterior. Patchy black tar. Supplier says from Congo. 60.00
79c 0-8 70mm 10.7 oz 4 coils. Copper. Irregularity of rod possibly due to filing. Tapered ends. 45.00    79d 7-9 79mm 28 oz 8.5 coils. Yellow Brass. Rod rough and flat on interior, not filed. Ends bluntly tapered. Supplier says from Congo. 75.00
79e 7 73mm 18.7 oz 8 coils. Brass. Rough, slightly squarish rod of even gauge. Tapered ends. 35.00    79g 5-6 67m 12.1 oz 8.5 coils. Brass. One end cut; narrowing gauge at other end widened and exteneded 1/2 coil bysheet-brass wrapping. 40.00

Nja   Thin-gauge brass Calabar wire loosely coiled for leg wearing. Just as Eyo p.64: "Brass spiral coiled manilla Nja from Ugbahu in Igboland." (Igbo = Ibo, south Nigeria & Cameroun).
74a) 5.5mm gauge, 177mm tall, 41 oz, 22 coils    $75

Nja / Mondua Hybrids   Three interesting pieces which link Nja, Mondua, and Calabar coils. These recreate the bulbous-end Mondua pieces using thinner gauge rod (as Nja) or pre-existing coil units.
362a Brass, 29 coils, 6mm gauge, 14.5" tall, 1.76kg (3 Lb 6 oz). Large but otherwise typical Nja piece, but crudely cast bulbous ends have been attached.    $95
362b) Copper, 24 coils, 6mm gauge, 8.75" tall, 1.90kg (4 Lb 3 oz). One additional coil with a hammered, bulbous end has been soldered to each end (see red X); one is loose and wiggles.    $95

Mondua   Copper Calabar rod of thick gauge with bulbous ends tightly coiled in legband form. Generally attributed to the Yoruba of Nigeria, whose word for money is Mondua. An impressive item, and one possibility suggested as the inspiration for the bulbous-ended manilla. The asking price on these pieces has been going up sharply lately. Opitz p.215 ( 2 pcs. upper right).
360e) Rounded wire, 20 coils of 9-10m gauge, very bulbous ends, 10.25" tall, 3.05kg (6 Lb, 11 oz). Crusty green surface.   $275
360g) Rounded wire, 15 coils of 12m gauge, unusually heavy piece, 10" tall, 4.08kg (9 Lb). Brown, some soil.    $300
360y) Miniature Mondua-like piece, with bulbous ends and loose coils of irregular, flat "wire," though piece was probably cast entire then bent. Brass with such a hard green patina is clearly very old. 5.25 oz, 65x56mm    $45


TRADE MANILLAS      MONEY OF THE SLAVE TRADE

      "Manilla" is a term that is often used loosely to refer to several sorts of African bracelet or collar, particularly those that are older or more clearly monetary in function. Below are offered circulating manillas of European manufacture, which were first associated with the slave trade and later became general currency. For more background on trade manillas and a detailed type breakdown with specimens offered for sale see Info-24.

Mkporo Manilla   Distinctively shaped and significantly larger than other brass manillas, likely a Dutch or the first British type.   88-98m across by 90- 95m, 10-13m gauge, 228-250g. Just as Johansson plate profile.   More info on Manillas and their variants.   941) $75
Early Manilla   Possibly Dutch but likely British "Nkobnkob" type as identified by Johansson. Largest manilla found in circulation hoards and visually distinct from later types. Ends sharply flaring producing roughly rounded but asymmetrical footprint. 75-76m across by 77-85m, 11m gauge, 160-225 grams. Nkobnkob are often found roughly cast with flashing at the seams 18th Century or earlier. Green color.   945a) Largest specimens $40.00;   945b) Slightly smaller specimens, 130-160gms $25.00
Middle period British Manilla   "Onoudu" as identified by Johansson. Similar to Nkobnkob, but smaller, 65-71mm across by 72-75mm, under 80-120gm, 8-9m gauge, often showing casting seam. Large, broad footprint. Probably 18th Century. Green color.   946) Larger specimen: $13.50
Late British Manilla   Birmingham. Relatively small, light piece, possibly an Okombo or Atoni as identified by Johansson. Average 55mm across, 60-80gm. Very similiar to type found in the Duoro wreck, dated to 1843. Brown or green color.   970/2) $9.50
French Manilla   Called "Popo" by the Africans, they were made in Nantes and exported to the French colonies. The ends are enlarged, but not flared like the British types. Average 80mm, 120-132gm. Brown or green color.   992) $13.50

   - - - Basic British Set:    Set of early, middle, and late period British, showing decline in size and weight 3 pieces:   977s) $39.95
   - - - Basic Manilla Set:    Set of middle and late British manillas, plus French manilla. 3 pieces:   996s) $29.95
   - - - Comprehensive set    Grand set of 13 pieces: Two types of early British, 8 types of middle and late British, one miscast piece plus broken fragment, and 3 types of French Manilla, all as described in Info- 24   996T) $185


LARGE MANILLAS      IMPRESSIVE COLLAR FORMS


      Aside from the smaller trade pieces, "manilla" is used to designate a number of larger pieces, some ceremonial, and others likely storage units for bullion. The terms King and Queen manilla are applied almost randomly by various authors, but the ceremonial pices do tend to break down into two categories: Heavier forged copper pieces with simple designs, and lighter cast brass pieces generally with more complex designs which I call respectively King and Queen. Usually from Zaire come large collars of copper or brass which, while probably distinctive by tribe or region, are largely unpublished and unattributed. My guess is that these pieces, like the Handa (Katanga) cross, are forms for the storage of bullion rather than wearable items or ceremonial pieces.
King Manilla   Forged & etched Copper crescent with flared, rounded feet. My guess is Congo rather than Nigeria. Bride-price and prestige money; used in the royal "dying ceremony". No standard weight but avg. 80 oz. (2.5kg), typically 11x5" (275x125m) for 8 specimens surveyed. Eyo p.49 is closest published specimen I can find.
340c 91oz (±2.6k), 11.3" across. Design: Five rows of punched circles. REDUCED: $195
340f 73oz (±2.07k), 12.5" across, Design: Punched circles & etched lines but surface too roughened to see pattern. REDUCED: $165
340k 84oz (±2.4k), 9.5" across, Design: Crosshatch leaf pattern repeated in two chains on either side, but surface too roughened to see clearly. This had been acid cleaned; I neutralized the surface and applied Ren wax to darken and seal. $125
340n 80oz (±2.27k), 12" (305m) across. Brown with light green patina. Design of punched circles in 3 lines along length of piece. $265

Iron King Manilla   Basic King Manilla shape, but more rounded, and in iron. From Zaire. 27.5cm, weight 52 oz   341b) $150
Queen Manilla   With a visible seam, these are Cast (vs forged), Brass (vs copper), elongated-C shapes with splayed feet distinguish what I call Queen (vs King) types. Generally lighter and more ornamented than Kings. Almost certainly African-made, and more for ceremony and display than as a store of bullion. My guess is Niger and Nigeria rather than Zaire. Johanssen, 1967, cover (both), Eyo p.61 (both?)
348F) 38oz (±1.08 Kilo), 216m across, elongated-C shape, squared with bevelled corners (8 facets), with flared ends. Design: Etched crosshatch chain on side and top panels. Feet plain. Brown-black tone with stable green; roughness obscures much of design. $145
348G) 28oz (±.79 Kilo), 195m across, elongated-C shape, squared with bevelled corners (8 facets), with slightly flared ends. Design: Half- leaf crosshatch chain on side and top panels. Feet plain. Roughness due to active bronze disease partly obscures pattern. Should be acid cleaned, stablized, and sealed. $95
348J) 38oz (±1.08 Kilo), 190m across, elongated-C shape, rounded, but flat inner side, with barely flared ends. Design: Line of punched dots on crest, zigzags at sides. Feet plain. Darkly toned, stable green. Roughness & wear obscure most of design. $95
348L) 35oz (±1 Kilo), 190m across, elongated-C shape, rounded, with barely flared ends. No design, but pattern of hammer marks on top and inside. Feet plain. Darkly toned with stable green. $75
"Working Queen" Manilla   Copper, crimped crescent shape with flared, bulbous ends, eight facets. No etching. Probably the commonest large manilla "type." Opitz p.214.calls it a Prince, worth 50 ordinary manillas, and it appears to be a working bullion piece rather than a ceremonial item. The weight range is just about the average for the Handa ("Katanga") Cross, and I suspect there is some relationship between these two forms. Could these be recast crosses?? Ballarini (1998 p.5) attributes it to the Jonga, Nkutshu & Mongo peoples of the Congo Dem. Rep.   31-35 oz (±8.8-9.9k), 8" across. Usually squared profile, but occasionally bowed, as shown.   355) SPECIAL: Just $75

Torque Manilla   Huge copper of manilla design, but ends only slightly flared, and nearly closed. Apparently unpublished, though I have had three of the full-sized pieces. Probably Zaire.   344B) 122 oz. (3.46 Kilo), 216m across. No design. Ends. gapped and slightly ofset. Dark toned, clean surface showing little wear. $200
344C) 29 oz (.82 Kilo), 148m across. No design. Weight suggests 1/5 Unit to larger pieces. Surface much eroded. $75

Onganda Manilla   Jonga & Mongo Tribes, Zaire. Ballarini (#72) mentions named denominations, but specimens vary considerably in weight with no pattern, so I believe traded as a bullion item. A small (150m) piece was worth 10 Belgian Francs in 1950. Darkly toned brass with four flat facets and slightly bluging square ends, hatching design along ridges. I have broken into arbitrary categories. Lighter ones are less thick, but do not look much shorter. Definitely your best buy in a large Manilla!    353C) 89-92 oz, 11 - 12.5" $165; 353D) 70-83 oz, 11.5" $135; 353E) 56-69 oz, 10.5 - 11.5" $110; 353G) 44-55 oz, 10-5 - 11 inches, still impressive $75

Nkutshu Bullion Bracelet   Heavy cast copper bars bent to ring shape with numerous hammer marks on surface, similar to pieces in Der Primitivgeldsammler 1992 vol.2 as Nkutshu (Tetela, Hamba, Onga) or North Kasai, Zaire. Weights (63,74,84,88,97,107 Oz) indicate they traded by weight rather than unit.   330A) Typical specimen shown. SPECIAL: 69.50

Fancy Manilla   NIGERIA, unpublished?, Red-brown toned brass, true twisted body with squared ends, design over entire surface. Dillingham (19, AP25) "Nigeria - massive, manilla, deep twist design, ornamented end closings, cir. of over 13" - I have never had one as nice as this in 20 years $150". Some similarities to what Johanssen (Fig. 4) calls a "Mondua." My guess would be 19thCentury. Impressive pieces, the detailed designs do not show up in the scan. Typical example shown. I've had 2-3 of these in the past but found 10 pieces with a Trader. 110- 120mm across. 640A) 33 oz. $75   640B) 37, 40 oz. $90   640C 43 oz. $110   640D) 49 - 55 oz. $120



CONGO LEGBAND & ARMBAND MONIES


      The large, attractive Konga and Mbole pieces are relatively well documented, and sell readily in the art market. Less collected is a largely unpublished class of bracelet/legband types which transition stylistically from the Konga westward to the lovely Gabonese pieces with multiple bold ridges published by A. Fisher (p.89 #6, Fang) and R. Denk (Der PrimitivgeldSammler 1993 p17-19, Kota, Bamba). Ballarini (1998) p.6 attributes one type to Budja / Mongo Congo Dem Rep.
Mbole Hollow Legband    Large, spherical red-copper hollow rings made by the Jonga (incl. Nkutshu, Mongo, Mbole), Congo river region. Ballarini lists five named denominations by size. Used in dowry. The ultimate in "wealth display" monies, legbands hobbled the wife while working in the husband's fields, not only showing off the metal money item, but demonstrating the husband could afford to waste labor. Ballarini #73; Opitz p.201 The largest "A" size are about the size of a soccer ball.   335C) "Diako"? 145- 160m, avg. 2 lbs. Smallest size $65;    335B ) "Ambi"?) 170-185m 2.5 -3 lbs $90;    335A) "Ehuke"? 230-250m, 4-4.5 lb Largest regular size $115    NOTE: I have just purchased some "perfect" specimens which have NO cracks or dents. Prices: C) $75; B) $125; A) $175
"Konga"    Heavy legband made by smiths of the Mongo, a large central Congo tribal group in earthen kilns using a wooden press and shapd by a log; worn by women to display husband's wealth. Also called Jambiére meaning shin-guard or legging in French. Legband monies demonstrated a man's wealth both in the sheer metal weight, and in his indifference toward the lowered productivity in the fields of his wives, who were hobbled by wearing them. They were removed only upon death, and often display some cracking from being opened and reclosed. Toned brass. Larger specimens have a "collar" etched at each end, probably to prevent shaving. Ballarini #74; Opitz p.201-02. Available specimens:
PHOTO Length Weight Color Ends etched Body etched Flaws Price
347a 4.5" 2 Lb 10 Oz Lt brn No No Lg open crack top/side; tear in edge $ 45
345c 9" 9 Lb 1 Oz patchy red, grn, brn No No moderate hole nr. edge, ragged edges, patchy surface $ 125
345m 9" 6 Lb 13 Oz Dk brn, patchy lt brn 2 "BONGO"; lg decorative pattern few nicks $ 200
345n 10.5 7 Lb 15 Oz brn 2 25x16mm x2 (Bottom) No $ 275
345p 10.5 9 Lb 14 Oz brn 2 60x45m, worn sm tight crack & 3 ragged spots edge $ 265
345q 10 8 Lb 7 Oz brn 2 70x17mm x 2 top; 80x20mm bot.; edge "toothed" nick edge; tight crack bottom $ 245
345y 9.75 8 Lb 4 Oz brn 2 strip top No $ 245

Budja / Mongo Crescents    Cast brass crescents with two prominent central ridges. Ballarni (1998) p.6 attributes them to African Arts 2/1986 p.10.   352B) Larger pieces 125 x 110mm, width about 50mm, weights range 925 - 1475gm (32-52 oz) Each: 37.50;      354) Narrower pieces, widths about 40mm, 370-500gm, Each: 25.00
Ngombe Bracelet    Cast yellow brass crescent with fine lines etched(?) into upper surface. 85 x 70mm, 50mm wide, 20 oz. Ngam p.27   359a) $40
"Longlegs" Armband    Forged brass rod beaten to crescent form with rounded top and flattened, elongated ends bearing etched parallel lines. Probably from northern Zaire or Cameroun. Five specimens seen are asymmetrical indicating removal from long-term wear, probably as armbands.    365a 24 oz, 120mm tall $75    365e 18 oz, 110mm tall, one end damaged $30

Unattributed Types    Information sought. Click on thumbnail for larger photo.
PHOTO#L x WBreadthWeightDescriptionPrice
358a117 x 105 48 38 oz (1 k)Brass. Heavy piece with rough interior, humped exterior with pattern of fine parallel lines branching to V at ends. Slightly asymmetrical with crack in side. $75
360a110 x 85 52 41 oz (1.2 k)Brass. Heavy piece with very rough, pocked interior and exterior. Three ridges branching to V at ends. $55

Iron Bell Anklet    Large circular piece with two (larger) or three (smaller) hollow enlargements containing an iron ball clapper, circular iron rings dangle between enlargements. Produces a lively clatter when shaken. Dillingham (D23#62, $65) attributes it to the Welle Tribe, Middle Congo, ca. 1880. Blandin (FN p.160 #1) to the Kafo people of Burkina Faso for the "Going of the Masks" ceremony. As with any functional object, one must question the extent to which it served as a monetary item. 395) Larger pieces 120-170m. Some rust, nicks.    $37.50;     395s) Set of 3 different sizes, number of bells, etc., chosen for variety & quality:   $85


BRACELET FORMS


The bracelet is the most common money form in Africa. It served the important monetary functions of portability and wealth display.Variants of this form were accepted virtually everywhere in Africa, with the result that today it is often difficult to know where a particular type originated or was used, and to what extent it was either money or jewelry. My essay African Bracelet Money: Unanswered Questions surveys what we do know about bracelets and manillas. For purposes of this listing I have somewhat arbitrarily sorted out the Calabar rod pieces (perhaps earliest bracelet forms), the manillas (best documented as money), and legbands (differently worn) as separate categories.    Detailed Offering of Bracelet Money is under construction.

Biu Division Bracelet   NIGERIA, Bidda Tribe. Well-cast, consistent fancy manilla-like brass bracelet. Wide crescent, flared ends with distinctive ornamented cuffs. Johansson Nigerian Currencies p.44a, Opitz p.280, D24#45. One of the most attractive of cast bracelet types and one of the few attributable to a tribal group.   206a) 85-105m x 9-11m thick, 150-256gm $27.50   206c) 63-77m x 8-10m thick 85-150gm $17.50
Senufo Boat Anklet   BURKINA FASO, Senufo Tribe. Shaped like a high-prowed, broad canoe, smooth and well made brass with knotlike design on one side. Fisher Africa Adorned p.127 shows it on the ground in front of a Senufo soothsayer with two coins during a consultation with the spirits. Blandin Bronzes et autres alliages p.78-9 notes that it is worn by both men and women as an anklet. I've been lucky in obtaining a large quantity of this type and can offer it for less than Dillingham did in the 1970's. (D23#84, D19#48, etc.) Opitz p.281.    194a) Large: (shown) 160-200m long ±570-900gm $45   194b) Medium: 140-180m long ±350-500gm $35   194c) Small: 120-160m long ±60-200gm $24.50   194d) Set of three sizes in roughly 1:2:4 weight ratio, though I don't think any denomination sequence was intended $89.50
Iron "Elephant Hair" Bracelet   Thin gauge iron cast in a "wrapped" pattern with true wire wrappings forming the double knot typical of elephant hair bracelets. Supplier says the elephant bracelets imitate these but I would guess it's the other way around. Old-looking, light rust. ±70mm across. Wearable by small hands    378) $7.50
Ivory Bracelet   Quiggin (p.98-100) mentions Ivory, along with slaves and cows, as the main money in the Uganda - Lake Victoria region but suggests that only the tusk form was money. Ivory workers were in the employ of the King and ivory objects were usually owned by royalty. Ivory, gold, and slaves were the main commodities sought by Europeans and the impetus for much of the exploration of Africa.    400C.1) Thick, slighly oval specimen, 400gm, 85x105m outer diameter, 56m width. Bone white exterioir with interior slightly orange from natural and applied oils on the arms of the wearers. As shown $175;     400M.1) Another, 135gm, 62x73m outer diameter, 48m wide $65
406)   Thin pieces, mostly 70-85m across. Were these "small change" bracelets or just ornamental? Typical piece shown.   $25
Dorome Token   Cast brass ring used as fare tokens for donkey carts, Dorome Tribe, Nigeria. According to Dillingham (D26#28) the drivers turned them in to the Chiefs, who held the concession, and were paid in bracelets. Thus an ethnographic token rather than an ethnographic money, and possibly unique as such?   226a) Hatched or ridged, fiarly uniform size 4.50;    226b) Plain, variable size. Some are worn "ridged" pieces but I suspect these are an earlier, plainer version 4.50   226t) Set of 3 varieties: Ridged, cross-hatched, and plain: $11
   Dorome Belt   Spaced on a leather strip, the belt served as a badge of office for the cart drivers, about 60-70 pieces per belt. I bought a group, so you may choose either ridged or smooth rings, or a mixture   SPECIAL: 226s) $85
   Dorome Necklace   143 rings and 3 bells on a thick rope covered with colored cloth (not visible). Mostly ridged type, but worn rings. I do not know if this is a traidional item or modern packaging. Length 18.5 inches.    226u) $200

COPPER BULLION MONIES

      Quiggin (p.93) speculates that metal rod currencies may have been the standard in XVIIIth dynasty Egypt. In any case, from antiquity, drawn copper rods, both Arab-import and of Congolese copper, were the basic money from the Sahara to the Congo, later supplemented by copper or brass rod from seafaring Europeans (Herbert P.195-200). Various lengths and gauges of rod or wire were standard in a given place and time, and the metal was often coiled into simple bracelets. Cast "mock stack" bracelets of later times imitate this look. Narrow- gauge metal used in Nigeria is usually called Calabar rod (Johansson p.43), while in the Congo the term Mitako served for a variety of local straight and bent forms used as currency (Quiggin pl. 2 #1-3, Opitz "Calabar rod" & "Mitako"). Lately some unpublished forms have shown up, so please forgive the made-up names and lack of specific attributions. Of course the best-known copper bullion object, neither drawn wire, beaten rod, nor a bracelet, is the Katanga cross, which is a cast bar. However, note the basic similarity of the wire/rod currencies despite regional variations in thickness (gauge) and bent form.

Sanga Cross   Shaba Kingdom. Small, early copper cross money very irregularly cast in a rough H-shape excavated at Sanga, north of Katanga, reliably dated at 15- 18th Century, although Herbert Red Gold of Africa p.186 notes that copper objects were money in this region from the 9th Century though this exact type is only dated from burials found 1400 and later. This is her type "B," p.188."   Avg. 1.5g, 14-19m from widest points    383) $27.50  383s) Three pieces chosen to show some variation: 65.00

Ingombe-Ilede Cross   Large "Katanga" cross with raised rims from the Ingombe Ilede / Chedzurgwe culture complex (northern Zimbabwe) of the 15th-16th Century, according to Herbert Red Gold of Africa p.186-187, p.188 Type G. I can also furnish references to more exhaustive articles in German and French. These pieces are intermediate in age between the tiny Sanga crosses and the common Handa type, and are rarely on the market. Type 388 appears to be unpublished. The size and weight of these is impressive if you have seen only the Handa types.
388b) Rounded, symmetrical; fluid H-form with broad raised rims rounded at ends, rounded back, specimens stack neatly. 292x141mm, 51 oz   $225.00
389a) Squared, slightly asymmetrical, squared H (K)-form with broad raised rims slightly rounded at ends, squared back, specimens stack fairly well when long/short ends aligned despite not being flat. 308/306x141/127mm, 42 oz   $225.00

Handa Cross   Best-known Katanga cross type, X-shaped, one side textured, one side fairly smooth with a ridge at the juncture. Produced for the Lomami & Kasai & traded as far as the Angola coast, probably ca. 1800s-1920s. Both a currency unit, unit of account, and an ingot for casting bracelet money (Herbert p.191); see the "working Queen" manilla for an intriguing weight relationship. From two sources I have recently bought 100+ pieces, an unusual opportunity to weigh, measure, sort, and categorize this important bullion money item. Larger than average specimens: 223-238m (8.75- 9.25"), ±880-1020gm    395D) $75
   - - - Large    Unusual 281m/1230g, and 267m/1446g specimens. Largest among 150-200 pcs checked.   395F) $150
   Handa Cross: Half Unit?    Most Handa crosses fall in the 500-1000 gm range. These distinctive smaller pieces, which occur at a rate of about 2-3 per 100, are always symmetrical cross-shaped (vs. X-shaped) and from their degree of patination I would judge them at least as old as the larger pieces. I think they are intentional half units, but there is no literature on this. Length 160-180m (6.5-7"), weight 340-400 gm (12-14 oz).    395A) $85
- - - Variants   This scan shows range of sizes, plus variants which may represent earlier and later specimens, or crude regional variants. Please inquire if any are of interest.
Ngelima Snake Copper   Congo (NE), Lower Ituri River. Thick- gauge copper lengths in broad, loose coils with a blunt or pointed tail and a bulbous head. Red copper, slightly rough surface with brown to black patina, about 11-13m gauge, 5 to 6.5 coils, weight 3.5 to over 5 Lb, standing about 22-32" as found. Ballarini #76. Possibly "Minkata," see Opitz p.222- 23. A rather practical way of carrying and storing copper rod, as pieces will nest together, and are flexible enough to be pulled or compressed to variable length. Typical examples shown full length are often asymettrical, but after some simple adjustment, light brushing and oiling as in main photo (head only) these are mounted standing on lucite bases as big ticket items in galleries.   425) $145
Boloko   Also called Konga or Okanu. Heavy, U-shaped copper bar with round feet. "They were made by the Nkutshu smiths who gave them to the Songo-Meno in exchange for copper in its raw state . ." Ballarini (#68) and Opitz. (p.89) have much more info on this well-documented money item. Quiggin p.68, Der Prim 1985/1. At least 33x18cm, 2 lbs. Little variation among specimens. 435W Some chips on feet. 45.00;    Almost no chips (as inset) 435) 65.00

"Swollen Dowells"   Songo-Meno, Zaire. Red-copper dowel with rough hammer marks and a slight swelling at center, sometimes a slight "lip" at ends. For 35 pieces: Length 20-25cm (8-10"); Weight 11-12 oz (310-350gm) clustering closely at 11.7 oz (332gm) suggesting a definite weight standard. (Althoff & Lux, 1995, p.26 #5). Note Opitz p.134 shows an atypical-piece with its ends hammered flat.   430s Set of long/heavy and short/light 55.00;    430) Single piece: $30.00

Congo Figure-8s   Unpublished? My supplier says they are from Zaire and are published in a French-language book as money, but I have not been able to track it down. Local name is "monnaie d'huites" or money eights. They do show wear on the outside surfaces, and are a logical shape for carrying small bits of bullion wire. Brass (I have seen copper also). Three sizes shown: 422a) 39-44m tall, 4m gauge, about 14g $8.50;   422b) 50-66m tall, 5m gauge, about 25.5g $12.50;    422c) 39, 41.5, 44g SOLD

CONGO HOE / SPADE MONIES

     Although far more poorly researched than Nigerian hoe and spade-derived monies, there are a number of distinctive types found in Zaire.


Dikonga dia mpunga'   Nkutshu Tribe, Zaire. Thin iron spear blade with socket, but too thin to be functional. Written up by C. deBoer on page 53 of Der Primitivgeldsammler 1992/2. Westerdijk (1975) p.131 #H publishes a similar piece as speren-geld, also from Nkutshu and related tribes. Another seller calls it an "ekie" from the Bene of S. Cameroun, used until the 1920's. See Opitz p.203 (Likonga), Kimpel p.30 #16. While hoe-derived general-purpose currencies are common in Africa, spear-derived ones are uncommon. 9.5-10.5" long. Note some variation in size and shape among specimens.   410) Nearly intact specimens, each: 65.00;   410) Rust-damaged specimens, each: 25.00
Lokongo Spade   Ntomba& Ekonda, middle Zaire basin. Spade- derived iron money item in triangular shape, used along with the better-known Shoka. Opitz p.205. See Kriger p.98-104 for a discussion of these triangular Congo spades and their variability by region.    412a) 8.5x6", rusty, bottom a bit ragged, shown in thumbnail at left 85.00   412c) 10x8", rusty with ragged bottom, (closed) crack in body 80.00

Anchor or Lance Money   Well-known and impressive Zaire money item, attributed to Bangala (Opitz p.102, Althoff p.30) and Lobala and Banja groups of the Ngbaka people (Ballarini #79, Westerdijk, 1984, #123).    470f) 45.5cm, Patchy rust & some thin spots one side, but "points" fully intact. See scan above. $225   470e) 53.3cm (long handle), Patchy rust and portions of "points" gone (see scan enlargements) $135

Unknown Congo Hoe   Iron hoe, uncertain whether a money item or a functional tool. 20cm (7.75") long, thick gauge iron, pointed tang end with moderately sharp cutting blade. Information sought.   $30

NIGERIA HOE MONIES

      Tool-derived monies are best known from the knife and spade coins of Chou China. Every major area in Africa has local hoe-derived money variants, but nowhere is the more variety in these than in the agricultural regions of N. Nigeria. These iron pieces are described and pictured by Eyo (p.51), Johansson (P.37-38 & foldout), and Opitz (2000) p.158-159. About 1998 Africa Traders began bringing out these formerly-rare items.

Narrow Hoe   Crenelated interior with smooth top, tang for attachment of wooden handle. Ballarini 1998 p.20 tentatively attributes to Kwele of Gabon, but more likely it is Nigerian. Opitz (2000) p.159 top. I have several specimens, average 43cm (17") long. They tend to be rather uniform as a type, but I can select a group of three for varying lengths and form. 445) Rusty, but no flaws.   (three different for $125); Each: $45
Spade Hoe   Fairly smooth both sides, and much like a spade- shovel. The only reference is to Ballarini 1998 p.18, as Bamileke of Cameroun 25x17 cm    448) Rusty, but no flaws.   $50

Round Hoe   Round, bowl-shaped hoe with tang at 90° angle, 5.5-6" wide. Eyo (p.52) says, "Iron hoe currency called sabow patanya (Hausa) used in contracting marriage in Bauchi State.". Johansson (p.37 #6) says "Kwasunting used by the Tangale tribe in Kaltungo. 50 Kwasunting were the normal bride-price. 5 Kwasunting were equal to a small roll (4 inches wide) of cloth Kabadir-strip." One of the better-documented hoe monies, though first I have seen on the market.    449) Rusty, soil encrusted, but no flaws. (Note: Scan shows tang flat for visibility)   $45

CLICK!      Hoe Set   Set of three distinct hoe types: Narrow, Round, and Spade- shaped (triangular), #445, 448, and 449 as described below.   448S) All three: $115
Scoop Hoe   Smooth interior and top with long tang, and scoop-like appearance. Ballarini 1998 p.36 tentatively attributes to Fang of Gabon, but Eyo p.53 to "Kafanchan" in Nigeria. I have several specimens, average 37+ cm. (17") long. 446) Rusty, but no flaws.   $50
Ladle Hoe   Spoon or ladle-shaped hoe with socketed handle and striations on inner hoe surface as the "narrow hoe" type (can't catch this on a scanner). Both Eyo and Johansson show similar types, but without the sockets. Typical examples shown.    454a)  Handle about 11-12" (27-30cm), ladle about 6.5-7" $60   454c)  Handle about 11-12" (27-30cm), ladle about 4- 4.5" and less angled $50;    Pair: $95
Kwadja Hoe   Opitz (p.158) top calls it a double hoe money and cites it as an example of a clearly non-functional object used as money. Opitz and Ballarini (1998, p.3) attribute it to Cameroun, Schaedler (p.326) cites Mfumte, Nigeria, and Johanssen (p.37 #5) cites use in Biliri and Kaltungo, Nigeria, but Bravmann seems to have new information. Typically 26" tall, 4.25-5 Lb. and very similar in shape. (Scanned in sections, please ignore the lines!) ALL specimens are rusty. I do not have a digital camera to make photos of individual specimens.   463) Best condition: All four "points" intact, only very minor edge cracking and at most very minor surface flaking. These are not modern, mass-produced objects, so if you are seeking an absolutely perfect specimen, you are seeking a forgery. Rest assured that a specimen in this class is as nice as you will find. Price: $175   Second Quality: Minor blunting OR chipping on ONE point OR one or more edge cracks extending no great distance into the piece. These are still superior specimens and much more representative of the casting technology. Price: $125   Third Quality: One point blunted or chipped AND more serious or numerous edge cracks, OR a crack or rust hole that shows light through the piece. Still superior specimens selected from a much larger group. Price: $95

Purr Purr   A flat iron length with textured surface bent at a 45Á angle and crimped, it may have originated as a thin hoe with the crimp as a socket for attaching a wooden shaft. 6.5-9" length. Used by the hill pagans around Gwosa, Plateau State, and worth 3d. in 1939 according to Johansson p.41. Eyo p.54, Opitz p.273   326) 32.50

IRON MONIES

   Kissi pennies have always been common, but around 1990 some larger iron types that had never been on the market before began showing up: Dubil, Tajere, Pur Pur, and Idoma The Dubil and Tajere, in addition to being the "Dollar" of the Kissi-penny series, must also have served as an iron source for smaller currencies, just as the Katanga cross was an ingot as well as a money item itself. Although these Nigerian forms are best known, iron was valued in Central Africa and the Congo as well. See Quiggin p.52 on the importance of iron as money in Africa.

Kissi Penny   Twisted iron with flattened ends, made by the Toma of Guinea, used by them and the Kissi of Liberia. Demonetized in British areas in 1940. One of the best-known & affordable odd & curious monies. 10-13"    Opitz. p.179, Quiggin p.92, etc. Free info sheet #105 with more history.    300) Selected for length & completeness $3; 10 pcs, as they come: $17.50; Inquire for larger quantities.   300C) From a different hoard, much heavier, longer specimens 17" $6   300s) Set of 3 different lengths (10-17+") plus a broken piece which according to belief has lost its soul, but could be restored by an ironsmith $11

Dubil   Squared iron bar with slightly flattened ends, rough, hammered texture, 14-15", 9-17 oz. Johansson reports the introduction of iron currency bars by Europeans as early as the 16th century and a value of 13 for a male slave in 1704; also their recent use in the Madagali area (called Dubil, Duval or Li) as bride price. They served as bullion bars as well, from which the many useful & decorative iron objects pictured in Blandin's Fer Noir were made. The "dollar" to the Kissi "penny".   Eyo p.54, Johansson p.36, 41-42. Opitz p.135   320) 32.50;    321) Flat Dubil Mixed indiscriminately with the Dubil were a few smooth, flattened pieces with splayed ends, resembling pry- bars. A regional variant? 37.50

Tajere   (Losol, Sasoreng, Saka or Taje). Iron bar with rough diamond-shaped swelling at center & long, squared, textured ends, (not truly twisted as Quiggin p.87 specimen) 15-16", most 10.5-13 (range 8-20) oz. Made by the Fulani subjects Batta and Mumuye, this was a tradable ingot form for recycling worn out iron tools. Johansson p.41 copies Quiggins' drawing & plate 1 #6, Eyo p.52 #2-4 from right, Opitz p.332   323) 35.00;    323J) Variant with twisted ends 40.00

Idoma    Tall, flat, tapered iron piece with textured surface, squared at the end and flared to a triangle at top. Something like a giant Kissi penny. About 30+" tall. Eyo (p.50) as "iron currency from Dutsi District, Kaduna State (Nigeria)." A supplier says it is used by the Hausa of Gongola (Yola) State, Nigeria. Kimpel (Althoff p.31) says Liberia. Regional variant published by Rivallain (pl. VI) from the Ubangi River (north Zaire). See closeup scan of tops showing variation in triangle shape and front vs back texturing, and photo of bottom variants, "A" being by far the commonest. (Color in main photo is inaccurate.) Apparently a widely used item which seldom came on the market until the 1990s. Though rather plain, these bring around $200 in galleries when creatively mounted.   329A) Flat end $69.50   329B) Twisted end $80   329C) Twist and socket $80   329E) Twist and arrow $100   329G) Twist and socket, bent to curve $145

Guinze   Iron piece similar to both the Idoma and the Kissi penny. The triangular top is more narrowly angled than an Idoma and overall length is shorter (70cm, 27- 28"). The other end is twisted as with most Idoma varieties, but the end is flattened like a Kissi penny. Published in Rivallain, Josette Paleo-Monnaies Africaines pl. XIII-XIV as coming from French Guinea, including a "village of Kissi" and worth several centimes in 1903. Just the two ends shown of a typical piece.    First I have seen; supplier claims his 40 are the only ones around, but who knows? Selected best pieces: 331) $55

Cicili   Mali, Bambene Tribe, iron arrow-like object about 10". Supplier says a currency object. Published in Fer Noir by Andre Blandin, p.180-181 as belonging to the Mwaba of N. Togo, a human-form statuette for religious or divination purposes. Just as his p.181 #4. After finding the Blandin listing I contacted a customer who had purchased one advising that the divination use cast doubt on currency use, but his own African contact confirmed they were Bambene and that he had purchased a large group in a Nigerian village where they were acknowledged as money.   327) $55

Ensuba   Bafia Tribe, Cameroun. heavy iron piece shaped like a spike with a heavysquared iron head, or "potato masher."     317b)Opening at side     1 Lb, 15 oz, 10.5" long   $250

Blacksmith Tongs   Not a money item but iron implements used in ironworking. Probably Congo. 496a) Shown in scan, 395m longwith additional chain $45 (SOLD);    496b) Longer, 507m with chain attached to loops t both ends $50



WEAPON MONIES

   While cowries, lengths of copper and brass wire in various shapes called Mitako, and apparently King/Queen manillas, served as general-purpose currencies in the Congo area, iron knife and spear, and ax monies were associated with a specific transaction: dowry payment (see Quiggin p68-70). No doubt many types were used for other transactions, particularly between tribes, though "anthropological accident" may determine which are recorded; Quiggin's Plate 1 specimens probably reflect this. All knives (all metal objects, in fact) had magical properties and may have seen ceremonial use; many were insignia of rank and served as a store-of-wealth for those whose status entitled ownership. The throwing knives, and some of the dowry knives, are functional weapons. Opitz's coverage and the discussions in Ballarini, Zirngibl, and Fischer show how inextricably monetary and other functions are interwoven in Congo weapons. Basic shape, handle, markings, and type of center seam (blood channel) are important for attribution. The Poppe Collection provides a nice online reference for Zaire status knives.
   The lawless situation in Zaire today has brought forth quantities of these weapon monies at very cheap prices compared to what weapons dealers were asking - compare to the Fagan catalogs, for example! Length including handle given in cm. Blades & handles may have minor defects; anything significant will be noted.
   Special offer of Zaire Dowry / Status SPEARS.

Liganda   Famous sheet-iron spear-money of the Topoke on the Lomami River, Zaire, well documented in Quiggin (p.64, Plate 1 & 4), Ballarini #66b. There are three denominations, of height and width at bottom as follows: 585) Dihunga (Value-1) 150cx24c usual light rust, but no damage $75.00;   586) (Name unknown) (Value-2) 163cx32c fully intact, light rust $125   587) Doa (Value-3) 177cx37c. Prices range from $225 fully intact but short (167c) and broad piece, $175, $150, $135, $100 depending on defects. (sorry, no photos).
Kota Ax   Gabon, 19-20th Cent? Long-bladed iron axe with iron handle & iron wrap at base with projecting loop. ± 35-45c (14-18") tall. Ballarini (1998 p.16) May be currency item, or "status weapon" (carried in parades & dances to show rank of owner)   485) (shown reduced) $49.00
Throwing Knife   Descended from the Tronbash of Sudan (itself a currency item) the true throwing knife as weapon developed a characteristic and deadly form among the peoples of plain and savannah, but served as a prestige and currency item in the forests, beginning just above the Ubangi River, where knife-throwing is impractical. Among some tribes they acquired breakable wooden handles and underwent a "devolution" of form to a straighter shape, as neatly illustrated in Fisher & Zirngibl #176-178. As Quiggin notes (p.69, top) they were a true multi-function currency between the Congo and Ubangi Rivers, among the Ngbaka, Ngbandi and their neighbors (collectively "Bangala"). M. Felix in Kipinga locates this distinctive and early type of knife at the confluence of Chad, Nigeria, Cameroun, and C.A.R. but notes that exact tribal identification is difficult. He speculates that the "arm" added to the earlier I-shape was to stabilize flight in the open grasslands. Art collectors prefer fancier throwing knives, hence this type is still inexpensive. Typical example shown. Usual length about 24 inches.  577) SPECIAL: $65
Variant: Curved top   "Bird head" variety. Specimens available: 577c.2) 27" length, rattan-wrapped handle $125   577c.3) 25" length, cloth-wrapped handle. Nicely shaped head but rough ontop $75



Ngala Execution Knife   Northeast Congo    Iron blade of distinctive shape with simple etched designs; wooden handle. Ballarini notes that these were used in the "ceremonial" execution of enslavement and that 20 pieces made a dowry payment. One of the largest, most elegant and best known of the Congo dowry knife series. Lght rust. Sample piece shown.   Ballarini #7,8; Opitz p.141; Fischer & Zirngibl #191-196; Elsen #57, 148, 157.    523A) About 27-28" $95;   523B) About 23-24" $75
Luba Zapozap   As Quiggin (p.63-64) notes, Congo axes were used more to denote rank or office than as wealth display, though there are accounts of their use as brideprice. Opita p.18, 20; See also Eyo p.33. This group Luba style, though less fancy than the types published in collections. Elsen #443-445 & Fischer & Zirngibl #296-299 for similar types.   479a) Zapozap, 15" tall, no design, no serious defects (shown above) $50
Scythe Money   From the Cameroun grasslands of the Kirdi come thin iron imitations of scythes, money according to my suppliers' contacts there. Angela Fisher in Africa Adorned p.135 has a great photo of Podokwo Kirdi women displaying broad and narrow varieties in a harvest dance. Note also similarity of the head to a throwing knife variant, the twisted shaft to Kissi Penny and Idoma and the pseudo-socket end to an Idoma variant. Ballarini (1998) p.9. 38cm (15") long.      465) $55

Zaire Dowry Spears   Spears in the Congo function as weapons, status items, bride price, and even general currency items. Opitz shows two types (p.313). Shown here is one of the more attractive types, from the Nkutshu-Tetela Tribes. Vase-shaped iron blade with two circul.ar holes at bulge in bottom, with wooden shaft, copper wrappings, and flattened iron ends. Blade and haft 22-25", overall spear length 66- 70". Ijzerwerk van centraal-afrika by H. Westerdijk p. 114 #I (3rd from left, bottom row)   Other types are available.   596) $62.50

Knife-derived Money?   Iron strips, well worn, with etched "handles" separated from "blades" with brief flare. Four specimens, range 12-15.5". These could be play swords, or training weapons, or? Supplier, who is usually reliable, claims he bought them (along with various Congo spades) as money.   491) Your choice, specimens available: A,B,D $30 each


TRADE BEADS


   The beads made in Venice, elsewhere in Europe, and Asia for trade make up a huge category of "traditional" monies. See Quiggin p.36-44, though much has been learned about the manufacture and dispersion of trade beads since her day. Offered here are some of the more important and better-known types. See this page for a much larger offering, including single beads, sets, and strands.

Hebron Beads   The heyday of trade beads was the 15th-16th centuries when Venice produced a wide variety for overland trade to Africa and Asia, and later the sea trade to a wider world. Bead expert Peter Francis in Beads of the World p.78 describes a more primitive bead produced during the Crusades "in Hebron near Jerusalem sometime after the twelfth century. They made beads there, using the salts of the Dead Sea as their alkali. Their glass was opaque yellow and green, sometimes blue and black. The beads were furnace-wound and were popular in Egypt and in sub-Saharan Africa." Nowadays, well pitted and often filed down, these beads can still be found in the Sudan.    536T) Colors set Yellow are commonest, green scarcer, and dark colors much scarcer. Set of nine beads, including 3 sizes/shapes of Yellow, a Green, a Blue, and a small cut-down bead, plus (not shown) three baby and "infant" sized beads: $22.50;   536S Yellow & Green beads alone $6.50;   536) Yellow bead $3.50;   Graduated 24" strand of 49-52 yellow beads $49.50    536B) Baby Hebrons Shown with full-sized beads for comparison. Strand 25-26" of either baby or smaller "infant" size $29.50 per strand

Djenne Terracotta    Djenne, Mali (S. of Timbuctoo), a trading center at its height c. 1200 AD, these beads have been excavated in large quantity and reliably dated to 1200-1500 AD, preceding the use of glass beads in the region. Not known to be a trade item. Strands include both tiny beads and longer tubes faceted as beads, v arious earth colors. Hundreds on 18-19" (doubled) strand.   200) 7.50;    Tied hank of 100 17" strands, as sold in Africa, $250
"Dig" Beads    Djenne, Mali (S. of Timbuctoo), a trading center at its height c. 1200 AD, they are called "dig" because they are excavated. Tiny beads usually 3-4mm across, some glassy but most very rough, some appear to be stone or shell. Not known to be a trade item.    544) Strand about 12" long. $24.50   544m) Graduated strand of 2-10mm beads, cleaned to brightness $45
King Beads   Wound bicone beads from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued in Ghana. Picard (Vol. V, pl.26, strands 7, 13) quotes a note on an actual sample card "traded for gold." Similar to Quiggin's "Aggry" bead, front plate #8. Commonest type is burnt yellow with cross pattern of multicolor stripes, but green, black,and variant patterns occur. Set of four sizes yellow, one each green & black (sample set shown):   213s) $15
213b)   Single bead, width 12-14m    $2.75   Full strands available at $90 and up - ask for scans.
French Cross    Called Bodoum in Africa, yellow with cross of red, white & black, similar to a King bead. Supplier says these were "used to buy gold.". Similar Dubin 70a. Similar strand brought $41 in my recent ebay offering.   519a) Strand about 10" with 40+ beads   $32.50 / strand
Padre Beads    Chinese bead which travelled all over the world as part of the Spanish silver trade. Best known in North America where they were popular with Southwest US Amerinds, especially the turquoise blue color. Made ca. late 18th-early 19th C. by the primitive winding process.    531tw) Strand of 11-12" turquoise blue or white $15 Each;   531rgby) red, green, yellow, or translucent blue $16.50 each, or take three or more strands any color except rarer ones below, $14.50 each. .   531pnm) Scarcer purple & black, pitch black, or translucent brown beads, each: $27.50
"Small Chevrons"    A true Chevron is a high-value, multi-layer bead. These are late period trade beads, 1800s-1900s from Venice, traded into Ghana. Generally they have lengthwise stripes but there is a wide variety of colors and patterning.    568) Strand about 12" $8.50; 568a) Three different strands: $23.50
White Hearts    Venice, 1800s, one of the most widely traded bead types - Americas, Africa, S.E. Asia. Early varieties were called Cournalene d'Aleppo and Hudson's Bay Trade Beads. Named for the white core beneath (usually) red outer shell. Numerous varieties (left to right in scan): 250) Early, large round 17m, rough, may have chips, per bead: 6.50;    251) Dark red, rounded, rough surface. Seen offered as Hudson Bay trade beads dated to c. 1836. Strand 12" long SOLD;   253) Cane-cut (barrel-shaped) red & yellow. Strand 12" long 17.50;  255) Small cane-cut, about 2mm. Type traded to Thai Hill Tribes. strand 12" long. 12.50;   257) "Seed-bead"-sized, rounded, square-cut, 2-3mm (not shown) 7.50;    258a) Rounded orange or red (your choice, red shown) beads about 4-5mm. Type traded into Africa. Strand 10-12" long. 12.00   258b) Rounded blue beads, mixed 2-5mm. Less common type traded into Africa. Strand 10" long. 12.00;    250s) Set of single beads, one each of seven types above (no 251, two colors of 258a) 12.50
Massai Beads    A Venice-made small bead favored by the Massai of Kenya. Strands 10" each, mixed bead sizes, average 200 beads/string. Two typical strings shown.   559) $17.50
Millifiore Beads    Venice, late 1800s. Tubular with "multi-flowered" pattern. Probably best known of the trade beads, they come in a variety of colors, lengths, variations of pattern, and even shapes. Quiggin p.39, Opitz p.57-58, Dubin #55. Set 0f different lengths, patterns, including long 50+m, and square piece.    210s) 7 beads: 15.00
209)   Elbow bead, most valued Millie shape, Yellow with brick red "flowers," as shown, 50-55m long.   $15
Snake Beads    Made in Bohemia, late 1800s, cleverly made to imitate real snake vertebrae which are used throughout Africa for divination. Bead width 9mm. Strand length 11". Available either pink or purple or mixed (as shown).   663) 12.00;   664) Smaller beads, 6mm width, available in a variety of colors & mixtures. Requests OK, but I can not supply particular strands as shown. $10.00
Iron Beads    Nigeria, where any iron item is potentially money, these are too ugly for adornment! Beads have large central holes, strung on thick fibre, Strand length about 12"   644a) Beads 13-15mmn, quite rough and variable. $65;   644b) Beads 5-9mm (shown in scan), some bicone shape $35
Bauxite Beads    Rough earth-red beads from clay rich in aluminium ore, a distinctive African bead. Nigeria & region. Strands 12+".    626a) Small 3-8m beads, avg. 150/strand $13.50   626b)Thicker, longer 15- 55m beads, 15-21/strand $18.50
Ostrich Eggshell Beads    Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes. east Africa. Rough roundish disks (7-10mm) of tough eggshell, center-pierced, on generous doubled 12+", ±400/ string. A well-known odd & curious item & one of few beads from eastern Africa. Opitz p.246, Quiggin p.100,107    638) Strand: 25.00
Talari Beads    From Ethiopia, small loops of drawn wire ("hishi") made from nickel-silver. The name comes from the Maria Theresa Taler (Maria Teresa Thaler), an .855 fine silver coin favored in Arabia and northern Africa (& origin of the word "Dollar"). These modern strands are still hand-crafted, but just like the Coptic crosses, are now made of silver alloyed with nickel. Strand length 15+ inches. Tarnished, but will brighten with silver dip.     523a) Hishi beads $12.50; 523b) Barrel beads $12.50; 523s Set of both types, or two strands your choice $21.50
Munshi / Moulay Beads    The Tiv (a.k.a. Munshi) tribe of Shima, northern Nigeria used looped brass beads of average 12mm imitating a seed, valued at 1/4 silver Dirhem of the Mediterranean caliphates. In 1968 Johanssen Nigerian Currencies considered them rare. See Opitz p.41, Quiggin p.60 fig.9, Johansson 50,54, supl14 #65, PS1987/3.    223) Munshi beads, from an old purchase Each: $2.50, 3 diff sizes $6.50; mini-string of 12 pieces $21.00   224) Moulay Beads Clearly derived from Munshi beads, but used farther south in Nigeria. Beads look like seeds with loops and range 10-14mm. Some are worn, and others have apparently been filed down to bevels. Apparently still made and used, the Traders sell sharp, unused strands much more cheaply. Set of 5 beads showing variations: $10; String of over 250 beads, your choice: c, d $125   224m) Modern beads with rough surfaces and no sign of wear, string length 10" doubled $35   224s) Set with 10 old Moulay and 5 modern, showing many variants $17.50
Shipwreck Beads   Tubular, milk-white beads of variable size, these are collected as they wash up on the beaches of the Casamance district of Senegal, along with Green-hearts, another crude, early Venetian trade bead. The circulating beads of the same type are called "Goombah".   649a) Strand (24") of circulated Goombah beads $8.50;    649s) Long strand (32") of sea-damaged Goombah beads, called Casamance beads. Rough, crazed surfaces with a crude charm. ($10 each per 5 strands) Single strand: $11.50
Krobo Beads   In Ghana there is a long tradition of imitating European trade beads by sand-casting them from used glass; they are often called pop-bottle beads. This group shows roughness and wear (though not soil, as ALL beads are cleaned before export) so I think they are "somewhat" old. Quite a lot of variation in this lot; samples shown. 12" strings. I will provide good variety if you order multiples.   682c) Single strand $13.50; 3 strands $11 each; 5 strands $10 each; 10 or more $7.50 each
Togo Stone Money    White quartz disc with drilled hole, rubbed in reddish earth. Found in hoards, they are likely a very early bead money, though both their original and modern uses are unclear. The Akhan & nearby tribes would find them exposed after heavy rains, and called them "thunderstones," believing they had come from the sky and had healing properties. Rivallain pl.32, Opitz p.275, Quiggin p.60 & pl.3 #3   263) "Stone" size: 40-45m, 33-80gm $14.50, or 3/$37.50    263t) STRING of 40 stone-size pieces on native fiber, as obtained from the Africa Traders. An amazing necklace at a great price. (Sample string shown) $225
263D)    About 2000 a group of smaller 14-30mm bead-sized pieces came on the market, including some distinctive rough pieces, possibly older or from a different area:    $5   263R) Rough pieces: 18-25m $5, or 3/$12.50
263s)     Set of four sizes, both stone and bead sizes, plus rough piece (as photo): $37.50
720)   European glass trade bead imitatng the bead-sized stone. Apparently rare as my experienced bead supplier has only seen one strand. Per bead: $3, or five beads with some variety in size $12
Talhakimt Pendants    Large, flat European-made glass beads probably imitating earlier stone and metal currency objects of the Tuaregs of the northern Sahara. Called "Niger glass" by my supplier and "Zinder beads" in Erope. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1989/1 p.23 #IV1,3. Opitz p.38, 64. Range 47-54m high. Give second choice of color/style.   212) Per 3+ at $8.50 each; Singles: $10

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

Cowrie Shells    (Cyprea Moneta) Used in the Orient, India, Africa, etc; the most universal coin of all time. These are from Africa and "broken backed" (flattened) for easier handling. Groups of mixed size, including Cyprea Annulis, a related but slightly more angular shell    200) 10 pieces $2; 25 pieces $4; 100 pieces $10
Kuba Cloth (Mbal)    Congo, Kuba Kingdom, Lele tribe. Sundstrom reports the use of Kuba cloth for everyday local purchases, major purchases such as slaves, cattle or ivory, loans, tolls, and for destruction at funerals as "conspicuous consumption." Opitz p.109-111 shows many examples of larger cloths made from original units, and discusses specific uses. Squares of cloth woven from raffia palm leaf fibres, they were called mbal. Today these former monetary units are found sewn into larger compositions and decorated. The decorations (raised plush, sewn-on angular patches, eyelets, etc.) were originally added to hide fraying or holes, but soon evolved into meaningful symbols. Each culture group within the Kuba region had its own style and pattern of decoration. I have divided them into categories by form and style. Still made, the modern (non-monetary) cloth is single-panel. These are attractive decor items and can be used as backgrounds to display other money objects. Check Google for art and textile sellers who charge much more!
Squares: Single Pattern: One corner is shown reduced, but the pattern is more or less the same throughout. Usually 15-17" square. Your choice, or I will send the largest. GIVE SECOND CHOICE!! 295) 22.50 each
Squares: Multiple Pattern: Smaller units sewn together. One corner is shown reduced, atempting to capture two panels Usually 15-17" square. Your choice, or I will send the largest. GIVE SECOND CHOICE!! 295) 22.50 each
Squares: New & Bright: Newly made examples, decor items rather than money. Larger, thicker & brighter than the old specimens. Wonderful wall hanging and almost big enough for a throw rug. Shown reduced; sizes in scan. Your choice, or I will send the largest. GIVE SECOND CHOICE!! 294) 32.50 each
Rectangles: Tukula Tint: Different type of mat with a pinkish-red tint from tukula, a redwood oil. Simpler designs with less plush, more plain background; NOT as attractive as the regular Kubas. Old pieces, composed of smaller segments sewn together. A different subribe's product? Average 22" square; shown reduced. Sorry, no full-item photos are available. Your choice, or I will send the largest. GIVE SECOND CHOICE!!    296) 21.00    296x) Same quality, but not photographed, saving me time & effort: 19.50
Rectangles: Multi-panel: Different type of mat consisting of clearly different sewn-together panels in dark brown and khaki-white. What looks like an irregular faded spot in the upper left of the scan is a deliberate technique and may represent a cowrie. All specimens in stock are very similar to the scan example. Large rectangles, average 14x50"; shown rreduced. Sorry, no full-item photos are available.    297) 37.50    297t) Tukula tinted example $42.50
Rectangles with Patches: Different type of mat consisting of large sewn-together sections of khaki cloth with bold, angular black, dark brown, and light brown designs sewn on. Four large panels form a very long 21x92" piece; scan shows the join area. Sorry, no full-item photo is available. Compare   298a) 85.00
Rectangles with Cowries: Small Product of yet another locality within the Kuba domain, two rectangular mbal units are sewn together, usually with a border, and flat or openwork stitching plus another former monetary item added: cowrie shells. Most are 11-18" wide x 38-43" long.   284) Scan (about 1/3 size) shows upper ends, but designs are consistent throughout. Each: $25.50;   284x) Same quality, but no scans to choose from, Each: $22.50
Rectangles with Cowries: Large As above but four square units sewn together resulting in wider and much longer pieces. Most are 18-22" wide x 72-90" long.   286) Scan (about 1/3 size) shows one corner Each: $37.50;   285x) Same quality, but no scans to choose from, Each: $34.50
Kuba Cloth Object Consists of two very large central panels with black-stitched interlocking designs, surrounded by a large black border with stitched holes, a narrow red boder, and a thick outer border of rolled cloth. A smaller, plain panel extends beyonded the bordered portion at the bottom end. Overall size, including bottom panel, 5'5" x 2'4". The stitched eyelets and plain panel suggest it is worn in some way. Sorry, no full-size photo available. A couple of join spots are loose and could be fixed by someone handier with thread and needle than myself, and there is some soiling.   299a) $175

Raphia Cloth Money   Cataracts region, Congo. Bolt of 96cm consisting of a central woven rafia mat locked in place by the long end fibres multi-knotted and flared at either end. Apparently the item discussed in Quiggin (p.56), and pictured in Le Tissage du Raphia au Congo Belge by Helene Loir (Annales du Musee du Congo Belge Ethnographie Serie III, 10/1935). Just the tasseled end and a bit of the mat are shown in the scan.    292) $39
Jonga Gong Money    Tall, gracefully waisted iron gong with raised point decoration at bottom, made by Jonga smiths as a badge of office for the Nkumi Soc. (regents and judges). Generally 50cm (20") tall including stem. Quiggin (p.74-75) calls the iron gongs from the middle Congo and Welle-Ubangi region to the North "doubtful" as currency but notes palm oil, wives, and slaves purchased for specific numbers of gongs. Ballarini (#70) notes currency and ceremonial uses among the Jonga. Westerdijk p.141 #30 (Tetela & Knushu).    I have used Ballarini's illustration; the ones in stock are very similar with no flaws, though not polished & without raffia dangle.   367) $145
       Tall Double Gong    Opitz p.81, Ballarini #71 (right), Westerdijk p.140 #23; see also Quiggin p.75, fig. 15, and for an extensive discussion, Rivallain LesCollections Monetaires p.17- 18.   370B) 220m tall    $100
- - - -     370D) another, 250m (10") tall, rounded tops, very similar to Opitz p.81 specimen.    $125
Small Gong    Fairly flat with hooked handle. Much like Westerdijk p.139 #12-13 (musical instruments) which he attributes to Congo. 374B) 175x120m, 16 oz, usual rust   374B) $75
Ashanti Gold-Dust Scale   (nsania) Ghana, Ivory Coast ca.1700-1900, used with figural and geometrical weights to value gold dust, primary money item of the Akhan (Asante & Baule) peoples. ±45-70mm concave brass pans with 3 holes at edges. Well-used but intact pieces. Add string & a stick for a simple balance scale. 250) Pair of "semi-matchedî pans: 7.50
Ashanti Gold-Dust Shovel   (famfa) Ghana, Ivory Coast ca.1700-1900, used with figural and geometrical weights to value gold dust, primary money item of the Akhan (Asante & Baule) peoples. Shovel-pan of distinctive shape to hold the gold for blowing away dust, an important step before weighing. Brass, sometimes minor design 252a) Large size, average 160m 45.00;   252b Smaller size, about 120-135m 30.00



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