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)

Bell currency 21. Bell currency
Yoruba, Nigeria
Iron
Height 12.6 inches
$1,500
Bead currency 22. Bead currency, “nzimbu”
Congo River basin, DRC
Glass
Length 43 inches
$400
 
Kissi pennies 23. Kissi pennies
Kissi; Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone, Guinea
Iron
Length circa 12 inches
$600 for lot
Purse 24. Purse
Fingo peoples, Republic of South Africa, Eastern Cape
Leather and metal
Length 35 inches
$650
 
Purse 25. Purse
Fingo peoples, Republic of South Africa, Eastern Cape
Leather, metal, bicycle reflector
Length 34 inches
$650
Purse 26. Purse
Kuba peoples, DRC
Glass beads, cloth, fiber
Length 24 inches
$1,500
 
Scepter 27. Scepter
Konda peoples, DRC
Iron
Height 11 inches
$900
Ceremonial staff 28. Ceremonial staff
Asante peoples, Ghana
Iron
Height 47 inches
$1,750
 

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