Hoe Currency, Bandaka
Mambila / Chamba / Hausa, Nigeria
Iron
Early 20th century

The Bandaka was a hoe currency used in Nigeria by the Mambila, Chamba, and possibly also the Hausa. The smelting of iron and its use in agriculture made the hoe an integral symbol in African currency in numerous cultures. Hoes were also useful as objects of trade because the material iron also be reformed into other shapes or implements as needed. Hoe currencies were also used for the payment of dowries.

The Bandaka was a semi-circular sheet divided into two disproportionate sections. The trunk was sometimes wrapped with a strip of iron (as seen here) or leather, and finished with a J-shaped tip with a ringlet ("Hoe Currency (Bandaka)," Bowers Museum, accessed 2025).

16.875 in :: 43 cm

InventoryID #13-2854

Price on Request