Old Money: Currency forms of sub-Saharan Africa

February 24 – April 6, 2007

The following are representative examples of the types of currencies featured in “Old Money.” In many cases, there are several available examples for each type represented here. Please contact the gallery for more information.

Dimensions are approximate. For space considerations, the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) has been abbreviated to “DRC.”

(Click on photo to see a larger image of the object)

Hoe currency 11. Hoe currency, “kundja”
Ngelima or Mongo peoples, DRC
Iron
Height circa 40 inches
$850 – $950
Gong currency 12. Gong currency, "gunga"
Nkutshu/Jonga peoples, DRC
Iron
Height 21 inches
$1200
 
Gong currency 13. Gong currency, "gunga"
Probably Igbo peoples, Nigeria
Iron
Height 12 inches
$650
Sickle currency 14. Sickle currency
Mumuye peoples, Nigeria
Iron
Height 13.5 – 18 inches
$500 – $850
 
Abstract openwork currency 15. Abstract openwork currency
Azande peoples, DRC
Copper
Height 15 – 16 inches
$1300
Cross currency 16. Cross currency, "mnamu ya biombo" (Katanga cross)
Luba peoples, DRC
Copper alloy
Height 9.5 inches
$800 – $850
 
H-form currency 17. “H”-form currency
Luba peoples, DRC
Copper alloy
Length circa 3 inches
$450
Bar currency 18. Bar currency
Ngombe, DRC
Copper alloy
Height 19 – 22 inches
$950
 
Conus shell currency 19. Conus shell currency
Lunda, Luba, or Tabwa peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo/Zambia
Diameter 2.6 inches
$175
Spiral bow currency 20. Spiral bow currency
Matakam (Kirdi), Cameroon
Iron
Height circa 8 inches

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