Central Africa, Gabon, Kwele people, ca. early 20th century CE. An interesting pair of large iron currency pieces known as a mandjong, both in the shape of an anchor. Each are similar in profile; one has slightly larger flanged tips, and the other is twisted just before the flanges. Traditionally, African blacksmiths would forge the iron into a shapes that slightly resembled anchors, and this form of currency was known as zongs. Europeans tried to replicate the currency, but created larger flanges which gave the zongs a more defined anchor shape, and they became known as mandjongs. The mandjongs were traditionally used for trading ivory and rubber; in the later part of the 20th century they were used as bride prices. A nice russet patina covers the surface of both! Size of larger: 22" L x 16.5" W (55.9 cm x 41.9 cm); smaller size: 20.5" L x 15.5" W (52.1 cm x 39.4 cm)

Provenance: private Beaverton Oregon, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#161733

Minor nicks to peripheries of both. Some bending and indentations to flanges on both. Surface pitting. Rich russet patinas!