Currency / Throwing Knife – Metal – Kirdi – Nigeria

Superb iron currency from Africa,Kirdi from Nigeria / North Cameroon.
The so-called primitive iron coins appeared relatively late in African art because blacksmiths acquired control of iron only after exchanges with Westerners. However, there is a very wide diversity depending on the region.
This type of genuine iron coin, depending on its shape, could also be a jet or pommel weapon. They were used for barter or wedding dowries.

For similar examples and more information see: “The Perfect Form”, by Roberto Ballarini, page 160.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, gallery owner Ulm, Germany.

Including professional  custom made stand.

OBJECT

Currency / Throwing Knife