| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
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| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
Lerale copper rod currency, Transvaal, South Africa
20" long
copper
19th century and extremely rare in complete form
from the Alan Helms collection, Boston, MA
ex John Crawford, Antique African Ironwork, NY
$2500
In her book Red Gold of Africa (University of Wisconsin Press, 2003), Eugenia W. Herbert
states: "Indeed the extreme reluctance of their owners to part with them reinforces the
theory that their value was more than monetary. As a consequence, examples are extremely
rare: only about 15 are known in private or museum collections."
20" long
copper
19th century and extremely rare in complete form
from the Alan Helms collection, Boston, MA
ex John Crawford, Antique African Ironwork, NY
$2500
In her book Red Gold of Africa (University of Wisconsin Press, 2003), Eugenia W. Herbert
states: "Indeed the extreme reluctance of their owners to part with them reinforces the
theory that their value was more than monetary. As a consequence, examples are extremely
rare: only about 15 are known in private or museum collections."
In their complete form, merale (singular lerale) were used for major transactions and bride
wealth payments; for smaller transactions they would have been divided into smaller objects,
principally bracelets and charms. They originated in Pallabora, Haenerstburn District,
Zoutpansberg, Northern Transvaal.
Although perhaps unintentional, the shape at the top suggests the head of an animal.
wealth payments; for smaller transactions they would have been divided into smaller objects,
principally bracelets and charms. They originated in Pallabora, Haenerstburn District,
Zoutpansberg, Northern Transvaal.
Although perhaps unintentional, the shape at the top suggests the head of an animal.
| Illustration of a Lerale from the book Red Gold of Africa. |