HOE MONIES
IRON MONIES
COPPER BULLION
WEAPON MONIES
TRADE BEADS
MISCELLANEOUS
ANTIQUITIES & CRAFTS
PLACE ORDER
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.
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
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.
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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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.
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
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).
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
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.
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?)
"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
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
"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:
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 
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
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!
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