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NEW LISTINGS HOE MONIES IRON MONIES CONGO COPPER WEAPON MONIES TRADE BEADS MISCELLANEOUS ANTIQUITIES & CRAFTS |
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. REFERENCES: Numerous books are cited here, which you will find described and usually offered for sale on my Numismatic References: Ethnographic page. By far the most important reference is The Perfect Form: On the Track of African Tribal Currency by Roberto Ballarini, 2009. I am gradually adding B references to the listings below, so use it as a wish-list and search this page with B catalog numbers. 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 earlier Traditional Arms has deeper coverage of Congo spear and knife monies, as do several specialized works. Akhan weights, not present in Perfect Form are catalogued in a number of hard-fo-find works, and bracelet (ring) monies are covered in much greater depth in Wilfried Glar's works. Very useful for Nigerian items are Eyo (impossible to find now) and Johansson. PS refers to articles in Der Primitivgeldsammler, journal of EUCOPRIMO and D refers to pricelists of Paul Dillingham, long-time dealer in Ethnographic monies. 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. Scholarly works such as Quiggin, Guyer, Kriger, Herbert, and Rivallain (all women!) are good starts. LINKS: John Henry collection: Well researched, and extensive; Museum of Making: Excellent public collection; Hamill Gallery: Extensive; some dubious as currency?; Hurst Gallery: Not cheap!; Africacurio.com, Roberto Ballarini's Gallery. Galerie Ezakwantu: Informative gallery site. 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. PLACING AN ORDER I charge only the true USPS postal rates, no inflated handling charges. To order (or just inquire), copy and paste the entire line for each item into an email. I will respond with an invoice within a couple of days. Or click the ORDERING INFO link for more details. In a hurry? Glad to take your phone order: 425-369-1725 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM USA Pacific. |
BALLARINI, Roberto | The Perfect Form: On the Track of African Tribal Currency (sample page) Ballarini's new work is a comprehensive, visually rich, highly informative catalogue of African ethnographic currencies in metal. Imagine a gallery show curated by a fanatic: The finest specimens of known currency types are collected from multiple owners, beautifully displayed and lighted. Next, the literature, from travelers', accounts to anthropological studies to sales literature is woven together and integrated with the display. Finally, suffering no constraints of budget, the curator creates a 400+ page hardcover footnoted catalogue, organized and numbered by regions with stunning color images supplemented with drawings for types known only by description, and archival photos of use or manufacture and rounded out with extensive summaries of specialized literature, maps, object-name index, and bibliography. The exhibition is imaginary, of course, but the catalogue is not. Owner of Africacurio.com in Milan, the premier commercial gallery for this series, Ballarini has produced not only a gorgeous art book, but a reference work in an under-referenced field, the standard for the foreseeable future. The only weak areas are manillas and bracelet monies, with minimal coverage, and neither Akan goldweights (well catalogued elsewhere) nor metal beads are included. All of Ballarini's former works are out of print, as are the specialized works he so ably extracts, and the collector who misses this one will surely suffer regret. The €100 list price is reasonable for a specialized art book of this quality. Europeans may save on shipping costs by ordering from Galleria Africacurio directly. | US$ 135.00 |
Ndoro Beads Conus (a mollusc) shells were introduced to East Africa by Arab slavers and served as both currency (like cowries) and status symbols, worn whole or cut in half, on the forehead by Shona Chiefs. "In the 1870s the British destroyed as many of them as they could find in British East Africa, because of their presumed links to opaganism. When crime greatly increased due to the lack of currency, they had porcelain copies of the shells made in Bohemia [in 1892 - Liu] with serial numbers on them. In time the Bohemians took the design and made glass copies . . . . " (Francis, P. Beads of the World p. 109). See also Liu, R., Collectible Beads p. 29, 42. Today the Masai and related tribes still value and modify by filing the more modern Czech glass copies. My specimens were collected from the Tonga Tribe of Zimbabwe and Zambia. 891b) 47-49mm wide $30; 891d 30-44mm wide $15; 891f) Tiny 12-13mm wide $2.50 Each or $2 Ea./3+
Large Mushroom Hoe This impressive type is attributed by Ballarini (B2.39) to Mambila and Chamba Tribes of Nigeria and Cameroun. Large iron sheet in mushroom shape with edge ridges on back of handle and arrow tip. Photos reduced, as it is 13" (33cm) across. Chunk missing from top. Only specimen I have seen. 459a) $135.00
Plateau State Hoe? Ekpo Eyo's Nigeria and the Evolution of Money page 51 shows three specimens very similar to these, but with pointed rather than socket ends. Wide piece is 11" wide; tall piece is 14" tall, shown at 50% actual size. Both with large chunks missing. 461) Either one: $40.00
Mumuye Iron Collar Heavy iron collars with varying, flaring elements at ends, from the Mumuye and Chamba of Eastern NIgeria. Ballarini notes rounded, single bar (B2.32), flattened double bars (B2.33), and intertwined bars (B2.34) varieties. I have my doubts about this entire series (See below). 308B) Fighting Antelopes motif on a rounded body, necklace 208mm diameter, 225mm between antler tips. Well-preserved piece $400; 308C) Socket & Arrow motif on rounded body, neckwlace 182mm diameter. Tip of arrowis chipped, light rust $325
Ethiopia Bracelet Brass cuff-shaped bracelets with extensive, simple etched ornamentation on outer face. One is 85mm across x 32mm wide, another 90mm x 25mm. Bracelets are common in west and central Africa, but these are the first I've seen attributed to Ethiopia. Age or money use unknown. 450) Each: $45.00
Ethiopia Oromo Bracelet Brass, ridged bracelet with gapped, curled ends. Inner facet is rough & slightly concave. About 75-80mm across ends. Supplier attributes to Oromo people. Ethiopian braceets are uncommon, and this is a unique style. 453) Each: $75.00
Ethiopia Oromo Collar Brass, ridged collar with simple etched ornamentation. Supplier attributes to Oromo people. A remarkably standrdized type, as the three specimens I have seen are very similar size and weight. Collar (necklace) monies are common in the Congo, but this is the only one I know for Ethiopia.
455a) 148mm across, 78mm gap, 41 oz., sharp condition $125 455b) 147mm across, 60mm gap, 40.5 oz., well worn $100
Ancient? Boat Anklet Large anklet in shape of a boat, oval with one pointed end, etched lines design. These came with a group of excavated items from the Jenne area. More modern pieces of similar shape are attributed to the Senufo of Burkina Faso. Two different available, 140-145mm (5.5") long, 17, 21 oz. 48) Each: $95.00
Quiggin Figure 34 Bracelet Partly hollow unbroken circle with plain, steeply bevelled sides falling to bordered snake pattern; wide casting seam interior. Closest item I've found published is Q p.98 "Uganda" though this may not be the same thing. D24 #ADN8. 187A 95-100m, 140-225gm, interiors 2.5 - 2.75" so wearable by some. Two examples shown $40; 187B) Without inner snake patterning & larger 105m, 300-425gm $50
Bells Cuff-Bracelet Nigeria, Fulani? Broad, gapped cast cuff with "corn-row" and circles/cosmos designs, and "Fulani bells" attached by loops. Can be bent and reclosed to fit on small to average wrists. Typically 40-60mm high x 50-60mm across. Sample pieces shown. Four bells on front, plus: 224a) Two more on back $23.50; 224b) 3 x Cosmos design on back $18.50
Excavated Togo Bracelet Copper brcelets of unknown age, from Togo rather than Jenne-Jeno where old bracelets of different design are found. Bands 13-17mm wide, with narrow gaps, 70-75mm across, with extenive design: raised bumps, half-Cosmos symbols, etc. Samples shown: I've left these dirty and crusty as found, but a wire brushing and oiling would make them look like museum pieces. 50) Each: Pair of matched bracelets $85, or single: $47.50
Proto-Manillas Nobody knows what inspired the distinctive flared-end torque form introduced by the Portuguese, but one candidate is the crusted, misaligned pieces shown in Johansson Fig. 2, excavated in 1964 at Igbo-Ukwu. 933f) This piece does not have ends as flared as those; compare to these, which weigh 1020, and 680 gms. Pitted red copper with green patina, 761gm. (shown above) $150
Sombe Penny Grooved iron rod with flattened ends of the Guro, Baule, and Bete peoples, Ivory Coast. Shorter than the familiar Kissi penny, with blunted, asymmetrical top, about 220mm (9") tall; B1.3, Opitz p.92 ("Buji"), Blandin, Fer Noir p.163 (in bundle). 307a) Classic form: bend at top prior to flattening leaves a stub at left: $30; 307b) Squared bend: little or no stub on left side $25; 307s) Set of varieties a and b (2 pieces) $47.50; 307c) Small bottoms: Most of the flattened bottom has been removed(?), leaving specimens about 10mm shorter than classic variety. Probably done during their period of use, as no fresh-metal breaks are evident, and tops are undamaged $15.00
Ibo Cult Spears Long, pointed iron shafts with variable iron and copper-wrap elements at top and bottom. Made by Akwa blacksmiths of southern Nigeria for the Ozo, or high priests of the Ibo peoples. Johansson, Nigerian Currencies, supl. p.13 notes that thy are "used by the chiefs of the Nsubi and Edo tribes for payment; extremely rare". (B2.5)
| # | Length | Description | | # | Length | Description | | |
| B2.5A.c | 54" | Aluminum knob at top ; most of the twisted iron tines at center are bent | SOLD | B2.5A.d | 50.5" | Double loop at top; most of the twisted iron tines at center are bent | 150.00 | |
| B2.5B.b | 49" | "Antler" top. Undamaged | SOLD | B2.5B.c | 57" | One "antler" at top missing, point at bottom bent | 95.00 |
Kaduna Currency Knife Kaduna State, Nigeria. Supplier says it is a currency item; I can find no references. Openwork blades appear to be heavily worn and discolored aluminum, a white metal valued as silver until early 20th C. Shafts and end ornaments are iron. 493B) 25" (630mm), as shown, rather crusty $100
Early British Manilla Blowout I was able to buy a small hoard of Nkobnkob manillas, large pieces in the 150 - 225 gram range. If we assign the heavier, less flared Mkporo to the late Portuguese trade, these would be the earliest Birmingham products. They come in two distinctive varieties, round and oval foot. This group is heavily green crusted with some porous areas, but they can be cleaned. Roughly made compared to later types, they often have visible seams and flashing. 943) Oval foot, and 945) Round foot, normally $40 each, just $27.50 each or $47.50 for both. Mixed types, selected for variations in shape, weight, flashing, etc. just $17.50 each per 7 or more.
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. Length of each piece noted: 252a) 185mm $55; 252b) 165mm 3 cuts $30; 252c) 158mm $45; 252d) 149mm very small rough area $35| # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | |
| 56d | 105mm | 27 oz | symmetrical | 100.00 | 56b | 126m | 65oz | Lovely, massive piece | 195.00 |
| # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Diam. | Weight | | 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 |
| # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Diam. | Weight | | 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 |
| # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | |
| 61j | 185mm | 20 oz | Brass. Bar ends protrude slightly. Brown, some soil. | 85.00 | 61f | 172mm | 20 oz | Bar ends overlap looped bracelet ends & flatten. Chip in knot; see rred-X in scan. Brown with gren areas. | 65.00 SOLD | |
| 61g | 180mm | 16 oz | Bar ends protruding & swollen manilla-style. Brown with green areas. | SOLD | 61k | 195mm | 38 oz. | Bar ends folded over bracelet end-loops.. Asymmetrical but can be straightened. Light brown (cleaned & retoned). | 145.00 SOLD | |
| 61L | 185mm | 52 oz. | Massive piece showing much use. Waxy soil(?) fills grooves = preservative, or something applied during ceremonial use? Brass "cuff" on one side could hide a break(?) but feels solid & the cuff blends in. | 200.00 | 61m | 190mm | 36oz. | Bar ends protruding & swollen manilla-style. Brown color. Two breaks (arrows) cause piece to wobble when handled. | 75.00 |
| # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Diam. | Weight | | 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 | 60d | 176mm | 52 oz | Just 20% overlap. May have been opened and worn.. Patchy red & green. | 185.00 SOLD | ||
| 60h | 115mm | 45 oz | 75% overlap. Manilla-style ends. Symmetrical piece which stands up on either end. Patchy green & soil adhesions. | 185.00 | 60j | 150x135mm | 78 oz | Massive piece. 15% overlap. Three breaks (see arrows) do not affect stability of piece. Brown with some soil. Large top knot, but can't get it on scanner. | 250.00 | ||
| 60e | 120mm | 40 oz | 110% overlap. Manilla-style ends. Some green & soil over brown. | 185.00 | 60k | 93mm | 21 oz | 110% overlap. Manilla-style ends. Some green & soil over brown. | 110.00 |
| # | Gauge | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Gauge | Diam. | Weight | | 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 | SOLD | 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 |
| # | Gauge | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Gauge | Diam. | Weight | | 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 |
| # | Gauge | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Gauge | Diam. | Weight | | 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).
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.| # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | # | Diam. | Weight | | Price | |
| 63b | 115 x 90mm | 39 oz | 6-coil with swollen Manilla-style ends. One end missing. Brown color. | 100.00 | 63g | 185 (7.35") x 100mm | 58 oz | 6-coil with hugely swollen Manilla-style ends. Thick green patina, Soil crusted. | 295.00 | |
| 63d | 100 x 77mm | 30 oz | 5-coil with swollen Manilla-style ends. One end missing. Green color. | 85.00 | 63f | 225 (8.75") x 130mm | 73 oz | 7-coil with hugely swollen Manilla-style ends. Thick green patina, Soil crusted. | 375.00 | |
| 63p | 140 x 100mm | 77 oz | 8-coil with etched "losenge" ends. Attractive, symmetrical piece, Much nicer than this awful scan. | 400.00 |
Congo Mitako? Coiled thin-gauge brass wire, heavily patinated. Ballarini (B4.35) quotes numerous sources on the importation of brass wire of varying gauge into the Congo. Symmetrical piece of 20 coils, 6.5m gauge wire, 6" (150mm) tall, 41 oz.: $55
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
Nkutshu Bullion Bracelet Heavy cast copper bars bent to ring shape with numerous hammer marks on surface. These are identifiable among similar crescent forms by the redness of the copper and characteristic black patina, probably the result of burning or oiling. See Der Primitivgeldsammler 1992 vol.2 as Nkutshu (Tetela, Hamba, Onga) or North Kasai, Zaire; B5.60. Weights (63,74,84,88,97,107 Oz) indicate they traded by weight rather than unit. 330A) 60-80 Oz specimen, typical piece shown. 85.00.
Konga, Jeanpierre 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. Toned brass. Larger specimens have a "collar" etched at each end,. B5.35, Opitz p.201-02. Extensive article in "Der Primitivgeld-sammler" 32/2, 2011
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 |
| 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 |
Congo Legband: Mongo (small) Small versions of the heavy Jeanpierre cuffs of the Mongo peoples. Apparently unpublished in this size. Ends are irregular from removal, but could be fixed with gentle pressure in a vise. 350b) 1 Kilo (35.5 oz), 95 x 100 x 86mm Symmetrical with bends in edges $75; 350c) .9 Kilo (31.5 oz), 95 x 100 x 86mm Asymmetrical from removal with bend in one edge $65
Congo Legband: Bokonga (Konga) Roughly cast brass open crescents with textured flat interior and (usually two) prominent recessed ridges. Following DeBoer, B5.27 attributes to Konda, Kundu, Ntomba, and Bobangi tribes. Normlly found open rather than crimped as Ballarini's example. Ugly, and unpopular with collectors. 120-140mm, 13.5 - 19 oz. 354a) $22.50; 354p) Less usul 3 or 4 ridges $35.00
Congo Legband: Likonga (Konga)
Cast & forged brass closed crescents with flat interior. Exterior with edge rims and two very prominent recessed ridges. Following explorer accounts of the 1920s, B5.29 attributes them to Ngata, Kutu, and Kela tribes. Usually found with green patination, they look like copper. 356C) Large, 16.2 Kilo (3 Lb, 4 oz), 135 x 120 x 45mm Some nicks, casting roughness, soil, bits of green patination $125.00; 356D) Medium-size specimes, 31, 34, 42 oz., Generally 115 x 100 x 45mm Specimens available: a, b, c Each: $75.00
Congo Legband: Ngombe & Budja
Cast (& forged?) brass closed crescents with rough, flat interior (tho may be found opened after removal). Exterior bulged ridge with numerous fine ridges. Smaller examples could be armbands / bracelets. B5.109 & see B5.135; Ngam p.27. Usually found with green patination, they look like copper. 360c) Large, 2.32 Kilo (82 oz), 105 x 95 x 60mm Attractive, symmetrical example $150.00; 360d) Large, 2.18 Kilo (77 oz), 115 x 98 x 63mm Symmetrical example but wuth metal (solder?) adhesions one side (looks like soil) $75.00; 360e) Medium, .85 Kilo (30 oz), 90 x 80 x 52mm Symmetrical with open gap, but well worn, so lines at top of ridge are blurred $50.00; 361a) Variant: Narrower body and ridges diverging at ends. See B5.136. 1.09 Kilo (38.5 oz), wide 122 x 105 x 48mm Slightly asymmetrical with open gap, and casting crack. Stands up nicely on longer end. $85.00
Budja Armband Forged brass rod beaten to crescent form with rounded top and flattened, elongated ends bearing etched parallel lines. B5.149 attributes it to this tribe along the River Itimbiri. Six specimens seen are asymmetrical indicating removal from long-term wear, probably as armbands. 365c 25.5 oz, 115mm tall $85; 365f 15 oz, 113mm tall Nearly symmetrical $65
Ngelima / Mbole Arch Heavy, impressive brass pieces cast as rounded arches, thick in the center and thinner at the ends. Ballarini (1998, #75 & B5.150) 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, mentioned for completeness as neither affects integrity of piece. 225.00
339p)
6 Lb 10 oz, 6.5" (165mm) across. Significant engraving on top and cuffs and highlighting the faceted top. $325
339q) 7 Lb 5 oz, 6.75" (175mm) across. Significant engraving on top and cuffs. $325
Fancy Bracelet Possibly from the Gurunsi cultural region of Ghana & Burkina Faso (See Glar 4/60). Hollow cast brass with raised design elements at ends, ridged wheat or leaf pattern one end, other end plain. Diameter 80-100m (outer), 65-90+ (inner). Most are dirty, and slightly asymmetrical with small interior cracks. Being hollow they are somewhat flexible and can be bent a bit to fit over hand or wrist. 172) Each: $23.50; Set of 3, different designs & sizes: $59
FAKE Yoruba Collar This is an absolutely ridiculous copy of the much-sought Yoruba collar - roughly cast, squared, and partly hollow it barely resembles the originals. See B2.4, Opitz p.281. Purchased as part of an Africa Trader's entire stock. 323X) 9" diameter $50
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. Stock is sold out, but if you are interested at $350-$600, please advise.
Boloko (a.k.a. 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 . ." B5.65; Ballarini (1998, #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
Ikonga (a.k.. 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. B5.75; 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
Bakwele Dupa Iron hoe-like piece, part of the well-studied Zong/Mandjong currency system of the Bakwele peoples, Congo, called "Dupa." This piece broader than those illustrated in Ballarini (B4.30) and Opitz (p.168 as Jembe). 407) 12.5" (320mm) tall. Deep, stable rust, some chips $90
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 B5.145, Westerdijk, 1984, #123). 470g) 54.6cm Intact points $225 470e) 53.3cm (long
handle), Patchy rust and portions of "points" gone (see scan enlargements) $135
Anchor Money variant Well-known and impressive spear-derived money item, attributed to Bangala, Ngbaka, Lobala and others in Zaire. As Ballarini (B5.146) notes, this distinct variant is longer in both head and shaft, and the points at bottom are not curled. Specimens appear more rusted, suggesting this is an older form; it is definitely scarcer. 471a) 15.5" head and 15.75" shaft for overall 28.25" length. Chip in one side, otherwise intact but heavily rusted. $175
Affo Shield Hoe / Monetary Huge iron "hoe" money possibly modeled on
European heraldic shield. Attributed to the Affo (Afo) people in NE Nigeria and SE Niger (F. Farr),
while Johansson (p.38) notes the Jos museum attributes it as "Ceremonial Hoe. Customary gift for a
bride's father. 1 hoe and 2 goats = 1 wife; 1 hoe = 1 slave. used by the Angas tribe in Wokos village,
Pankshin Division, Plateau Province. Made of locally melted iron." B2.64, B2.65 shows the conventional monetary shape with rounded bottom and broad, slightly sloping shoulders with squared points. NOTE: Scan shows a typical piece, as all specimens are virtually the same but for weight and slight differences in dimensions. 464h) 18 Lb, 29.5" tall including tang x 19.75" across points. Surface: Dark brown to black. Flaws: None $350; 464j) 29 Lb, 33" tall including tang, x 23.25" across points. Surface: Dark rust color. Flaws: None $475
Affo Shield Hoe / Functional Similar to the large monetary pieces but smaller, more variable form, and usually found flawed and worn. Almost certainly a monetary piece as well as a functioning hoe. B2.66 shows two differing examples. 464d) Small, conventional shape. 450mm (17.75") tall including tang; 372mm (14.75") across points; 3.17 kilo (7 Lb). Two extremely small chips at bottom (barely show in scan) otherwise intact with deep, stable rust: $200; 464g) Medium, Angle-top specimen with up-angled shoulder points 25.5" tall including tang; 18" across points; 10.2Lb. Surface: Light to dark brown, Flaws: 130mm closed crack near center including 10x4mm hole; several generally rounded edge chips/gaps, deepest 3mm $200
Bamileke Hoe (Cameroun) Large iron hoe, spade shaped, tang at 90° with folded arrow shape at end. B2.93 notes it was used by the Bamileke and Widekum of W. Cameroun; see also B2.49 without bend in handle Note the folded arrow is the same twist as the "Bangala Lance". 456) 30 oz.,blade 7.5x9", tang 5" long $95.00
Purr Purr Blowout B2.63; Used by the hill pagans around Gwosa, Plateau State, Nigeria, and worth 3d. in 1939 according to Johansson p.41; Eyo p.54, Opitz p.273.. Other Nigerian hoe monies are substantial; this is the most abstracted form. Thin sheet iron of 6.5-9" lengthwith a cloth-like textured pattern, crimped and angled to represent blade and socket. 326) Selected piece:
27.50; 326s) Three pieces differing slightly in size, shape: $59.50; 326w) Ten pieces including some rough or imperfect specimens $150
Unknown Ladle Hoe Nigeria?, Large iron hoe or ladle, squared in rear, rounded in front, 12 oz., blade 7.5x5.5", tang 11" long, anagled from blade and looped at top. A functional utensil? 457) $85.00
Kissi Penny Twisted iron rod 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" B1.1, 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 16-17" $9.50 300D) 14-15" $6.50 300s) Set of 3 different lengths (10-15") plus a
broken piece which according to belief has lost its soul, but could be restored by an ironsmith
$11
Sombe Penny Grooved iron rod with flattened ends of the Guro, Baule, and Bete peoples, Ivory Coast. Shorter than the familiar Kissi penny, with blunted, asymmetrical top, about 220mm (9") tall; B1.3, Opitz p.92 ("Buji"), Blandin, Fer Noir p.163 (in bundle). 307a) Classic form: bend at top prior to flattening leaves a stub at left: $30; 307b) Squared bend: little or no stub on left side $25; 307s) Set of varieties a and b (2 pieces) $47.50; 307c) Small bottoms: Most of the flattened bottom has been removed(?), leaving specimens about 10mm shorter than classic variety. Probably done during their period of use, as no fresh-metal breaks are evident, and tops are undamaged $15.00
Variant:
Curved top "Bird head" variety. Specimens available: 577c.3) 25" length, cloth-wrapped handle. Nicely shaped head but rough ontop $75
Variant:
Hook Middle "Long curved blades with hook protruding from center. Specimens available: 579a) 28" length, rhook is attached to center $125 579b) 26" length, patterned handle, central hook grows out of shaft, not separately attached. $125
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. 575k) 15.25" (387m) tall. Rusted but decent condition $225; 575j) 17.5" (445m) Tall Seriously rusted. $145
COUNTERFEITS These two pieces are deeply rusted, but the edges are squared rather than tapered, and have a sharp feeling, showing no wear or use. Alone they are deceptive, but comparing them to worn specimens of more conventional shape they stand out. Closeup of one piece
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; Ballarini (B2.86) says represents a rooster head, sacred to the Fali tribe. 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
Symbolic Sword Monies Thin iron strips with slightly bulging "hilts" separating decorated handles from plain blades with rounded bottoms. Ballarini (B5.7) attributes to Lele, Kuba, and Bushoong tribes. Closeup of TOPS. 491b) 12" $45; 491D) 15.5" $55
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. 479) Zapozap, about 15" tall, no serious defects Specimens available:
;479b) ;
;479c) ;
;479jd ;
;479g)
Each: $50
Topeke-Olombo-Lokele Elongated leaf shape, distinguished by blood grooves, an uncommon feature. This specimen with hole at base, typical of Nkutush-Tetela types. (B5.53), Westerdijk p. 112, lower left. 591a) 22.75", ragged edges. Scarce. $75.00
Ngbaka Elongated leaf shape with rounded (vs. angled) approach at base and subtle spine. (B-nl), Westerdijk p.109 #G, Elsen p.72 #26. 592a) 32.25", $100.00
Ngombe & Others Simple leaf-shaped iron blade with long haft. Blade and haft run 24-31 inches. Commonest type of dowry spar, also used by Ngbandi, Bati, Benge, Ngala, and Poto. (B5.117, 5.103?), Opitz p.313, right; Ballarini p.104 #61b; Westerdijk p.109-110 #H, J; Elsen #28, 202
| # | Blade | | Price | # | Blade | | Price | |
| 590a | 12.5" | 11" | 45.00 | 590b | 14.75" | 12.5" | 60.00 | |
| 590c | 13" | 13.25" | 60.00 | 590d | 8.5" | 13+3.5" | 60.00 | |
| 590e | 11.75" | 21.5" | 75.00 | 590f | 20" | 6.75" | 75.00 | |
| 590g | 19.5" | 7" | 75.00 | 590h | 33" | 7.5" | 125.00 |
Sakara-Ngando Elongated, triangular with rounded bottoms tapering at 90° angles. Also used by Kutu, Bole & Yela. (B5.117d, misplaced), Westerdijk p. 113 #G, Elsen p.212 #377| # | Length | | Price | # | Length | | Price | |
| 594a | 22.75" | 65.00 | 594b | 24.75" | 75.00 | |||
| 594c | 25" | 75.00 | 594d | 27" | 100.00 |
Nkutshu-Tetela (Rounded bottom) Vase-shaped with two circular holes at bulge in bottom, broad squared spine. Some with copper-wrapped shaft fragments. Blade length (19-25") given below with "+" dimension for partial shaft. (B5.76c), Opitz p.313v, Westerdijk p. 114 #I (3rd from left, bottom row)| # | Length | | Price | # | Length | | Price | |
| 596a | 19+2" | Small but nice | 65.00 | 596b | 21" | Rust-pocked | 50.00 | |
| 596c | 22+3" | copper wrappings | 80.00 | 596d | 21" | 60.00 | ||
| 596e | 24.5" | damaged | 35.00 | 596e | 17.5+4" | Serrated bottom | 80.00 |
Nkutshu-Tetela (Pointed bottom) Complex shape with atenuated tip, points at side, four (or two) circular holes at bottom, and broad, squared spine. Some with copper-wrapped shaft fragments. Blade length (22-30") given below with "+" dimension for partial shaft. Note: The side projections are usually a bit blunted. (B5.76a,b,e), Opitz p.313, Westerdijk p. 114 #I (bottom left)| # | Length | | Price | # | Length | | Price | |
| 598a | 24" | Haft: etched design | 110.00 | 598b | 24.5" | Blunted points | 50.00 |
Unattributed Simple leaf shape with prominent squared central seam, six holes at bottom, and concentric blood grooves (hard to see in scan). Most resembles the Nkutshu-Tetela types (B5.76) and Sakara-Ngando (B5.117d, misplaced). 604L) 9" blade, 3.5" haft plus partial shaft with copper wrappings. $85
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. Strands about 25" circumference, variable number of beads. 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 as samples. 651) Medium-value Trade Beads 24.50
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 $8.50; 536) Yellow bead $3.50; Graduated 24" strand of 49-52 yellow beads $69.50
536B) Baby Hebrons Shown with full-sized beads for comparison. Strand 25-26" of either baby or smaller "infant" size $29.50 per strand
King Beads Wound bicone beads in gold color with cross patterbm from Venice, c. 1850s-1930s and highly valued among the Akhan of 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. A. Fisher in Africa Adorned shows a strand with a gold nuggtet pendant. Green, Black, and beads with variants of the cross pattern occur, but were less popular and hence rarer today.
213) Single bead, width 12-14m $2.75; 213s) Set of four sizes yellow, one each green & black (6 total); click thumbnail for sample set: $15;
Full strings available: 213a) 59 beads, classic pattern, avg. grade $115
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
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:
17.50
Ostrich Eggshell Beads Rough roundish disks of tough eggshell made by the 39,000 year-old "heishi" process of drilling and grinding. One of the oldest bead types and a well-known trade item, asociated in modern times with the Turkana, Samburu, Ovambo tribes of East Africa. Opitz
p.246, Quiggin p.100,107 They range from 6-10mm, about 250-500/strand. Degree of uniformity and cleanliness varies also. Show Variants .638s Set of 10 beads mixed sizes, surfaces, etc. $3.00 638a) Strand: Usual semi-polished with variable sizes; $25.00 638c) Strand: Recent hoard of excavated pieces, matte surfaces and uniform, small size. $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 14+ 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 Hishi type $21.50
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
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
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 knotted end and a bit of the mat are shown in the scan.
292) $39
TALL Double Gong
Somewhat like this piece for overall shape but bells are broader and overlap, and protruding lips at bottom. 372B) 24" tall x 18.5"x wide (60x 47cm), 15 Lbs, moderate rust, some closed cracks, ragged edge one bell (shown), and handle is fragile from old repair. Still an impressive piece that would bring $400-500 if undamaged. $195
Double Gong
Opitz p.81, Ballarini (1992) #71 (left), Westerdijk p.140 #23; see also Quiggin p.75, fig. 15, and for an
extensive discussion, Rivallain LesCollections Monetaires p.17-18. 370F) 210m tall x290mm wide Nice surface with no serious flaws: $125
Single Gong Simple shape with tang at top. Generally similar to Westerdijk p.139 #12-13, 22 which he attributes to the Tetela and Nkutshu of the Congo. 340mm (13.5") tall x 120m, 374C) Three small rust holes; toward bottom lips there appear to be iron plugs inserted, both sides - whether to repair holes or affect the sound quality, I am not sure. $100; 374D) Flattened piece with long tang, and clapper. 22mm (9") tall x 90mm wide, lip on one side very chipped and ragged $45
Noisemaker Ballarini (B2.71, 2.72) covers this as a Chamba iron money item, but I suspect its primary purpose is musical. 330mm (13") tall, consists of ring with flat, unclappered gong, and seven trough-shaped clappers (2 short); 375A) $100
Manform Throwing Knives These appear to be invented forms. They do not really match anything in Felix's Kipinga. The "rooster crest" piece resembles B4.26 attributed to the Kirdi group. I suspect Ballarini's piece also is false. Note the similarity in etchings among these various types. None of these pieces have imperfections, nor deep rust, nor any signs of wear.
Kipinga Throwing Knives These two pieces are deeply rusted, but the edges are squared rather than tapered, and have a sharp feeling, showing no wear or use. Alone they are deceptive, but comparing them to worn specimens of more conventional shape they stand out. I suspect they were cut out of some old sheet iron. Closeup of one piece
Vere Knives (?) These bear some resemblance to B2.69, which are not well referenced themselves. They are nicely made, but the iron shows only the most superficial of rust.
"Mumuye Torch" I am suspicious of this type of object altogether. Ballarini (B2.36) shows several examples, unreferenced, all with apparently superficial rust. I have handled two pieces previously, similar to Ballarini's specimens, and the pieces shown in this photo came from the same seller as the bad manform throwing knives. Perhaps they are a pure invention? Bartolomucci's African Currency, p. 45, notes a specimen as "Gathered on site in eastern Nigeria in the Eighties." One of Ballarini's specimens incorporates an old knife blade, much as the following piece incorporates a genuine old anklet.
Spiral Objects These are all probably invented forms. The spirals appear identical from piece to piece. The bottom specimen incorporates a common noisemaker anklet of obvious age, though the rest of the piece looks new.
Mumuye Collars Are these also pure inventions? Ballarini shows a variety of forms, but no references before 2000. Can such amazing objects have escaped the notice of travellers and scholars until now? Some of the specimens I have handled had end pieces with arrows, twists, sockets and the like (one damaged) found on Idoma or "Lobi snakes", but these could be welded to modern-made collars. Here are three pieces I passed up:
308X
308X2
308X3