**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

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#152118

Slight bending to overall form with light nicks to body and terminals, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.