Early 20th C. African Yeke Ngombe Copper Currency Bar
Similar Sale History
View More Items in JewelryRelated Jewelry
More Items in Jewelry
View MoreItem Details
Description
**Originally Listed At $300**
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yeke people, Ngombe group, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A cast-copper currency bar known as a mukuba wa matwi (literally "copper with ears"). The bar exhibits a distinct curved form and a pair of flared, fan-shaped terminals. The copper currency pieces are derived from the Katanga region of the southeastern Congo Basin which is rich in copper ore. Currency pieces like this example were used in unusual or significant transactions and were typically traded for female slaves during the 1800s. Size: 19.75" L x 1.3" W (50.2 cm x 3.3 cm)
Cf. The Seattle Art Museum, accession number 2007.170; also see Opitz, Charles J. "An Ethnographic Study of Traditional Money: A Definition of Money and Descriptions of Traditional Money." First Impressions Printing, Inc., Florida, 2000, p. 232, top two examples.
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2015; ex-private 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#152118
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yeke people, Ngombe group, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A cast-copper currency bar known as a mukuba wa matwi (literally "copper with ears"). The bar exhibits a distinct curved form and a pair of flared, fan-shaped terminals. The copper currency pieces are derived from the Katanga region of the southeastern Congo Basin which is rich in copper ore. Currency pieces like this example were used in unusual or significant transactions and were typically traded for female slaves during the 1800s. Size: 19.75" L x 1.3" W (50.2 cm x 3.3 cm)
Cf. The Seattle Art Museum, accession number 2007.170; also see Opitz, Charles J. "An Ethnographic Study of Traditional Money: A Definition of Money and Descriptions of Traditional Money." First Impressions Printing, Inc., Florida, 2000, p. 232, top two examples.
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2015; ex-private 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#152118
Condition
Slight bending to overall form with light nicks to body and terminals, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.
Buyer's Premium
- 26.5%
Early 20th C. African Yeke Ngombe Copper Currency Bar
Estimate $350 - $525
1 bidder is watching this item.
Get approved to bid.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
Payment
Related Searches
TOP