| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
Mbole spear currency, Democratic Republic of the Congo
78" tall
iron, wood
from the Alan Helms collection, Boston, MA
ex John Crawford, Antique African Ironworks, NY
$1000
This currency consists of two pieces; a whimsically ornate top which can be removed from the plain iron shaft.
"The rhomboid shape of the head is attached to a rectangular iron bar with two iron spirals attached to the side
of the shaft. The large size and delicate design did not allow the spear to be used as a weapon. It was a very
valuable currency and was used in bride price. The spear was driven into the ground in front of the bride's home
when the bride price was paid." From "An Ethnographic Study of Traditional Money" by Charles J. Opitz.
78" tall
iron, wood
from the Alan Helms collection, Boston, MA
ex John Crawford, Antique African Ironworks, NY
$1000
This currency consists of two pieces; a whimsically ornate top which can be removed from the plain iron shaft.
"The rhomboid shape of the head is attached to a rectangular iron bar with two iron spirals attached to the side
of the shaft. The large size and delicate design did not allow the spear to be used as a weapon. It was a very
valuable currency and was used in bride price. The spear was driven into the ground in front of the bride's home
when the bride price was paid." From "An Ethnographic Study of Traditional Money" by Charles J. Opitz.
