Hand-forged from iron by local blacksmiths, this object originates from the Middle Benue region of Nigeria, near the Cameroon border. In this area, such forms of African currency played an important role in facilitating transactions between communities. They could be used to acquire livestock and consumer goods, or presented as part of a dowry in marriage arrangements.
The piece is composed of bell-shaped elements with slender “clangers,” all suspended from a central ring. As a complete set, it held enhanced value due to both its material and its intricate form. At the same time, each individual component could be detached and used independently in exchange, making the object both flexible and practical as a medium of trade.
Its value therefore existed on two levels: as a unified whole and as a collection of smaller, divisible units.
According to Roberto Ballarini in his book "The Perfect Form", "This model is an iron rod with a sort of cluster of many different pieces hanging from it. These pieces can be, both put onto this rod or taken off it singularly in case of a purchase or a barter. The whole set is a piece of currency of great value, but even each single item hanging from the rod, has a monetary value just as well. According to some authors this type of object may represent a sistrum, an instrument of the percussion family."
Height: 15"
Width: 21 ⅜".
It is 16 ˝" in height when mounted on its accompanying custom 12" x 4" metal base.
