Hand- Forged Iron Currency - Kirdi, or Mafa/Matakam People, Cameroon 5

This elaborate multi-spiraled, currency piece would have been used as a form of exchange or trade. Currency took many forms in ancient Africa. Common across the continent were metal objects shaped like spearheads, coins and spirals.
Worn as a belt adornment.

Estate of Distinguished Professor Philip Gould, NYC; Exhibited "Africa's Iron & Copper Currencies", Institute of African Studies, Columbia University, March 2000

Professor of Chinese Art History at Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence College, Professor Philip Gould was a passionate collector of African Art, and curated numerous museum and gallery exhibitions from his personal collection.

Height: 6 1/2" x Width: 7 3/4"