Abstract Zoomorphic Figure / Currency Object
Mumuye / Chamba, Nigeria
Iron
Early 20th century

There are a number of currency forms related to this small piece, which resembles an adze blade, but wears non-functional embellishments. While it can be challenging to pinpont the exact culture of origin, the examples I have encountered come from Nigeria and Cameroon. Interestingly, André Blandin published a similar example that he described as a symbolic hoe used by the Senufo in Sando divination (Ballarini, Roberto, The Perfrct Form: On the Track of African Tribal Currency, 2009; Blandin, André, Fer Noir, 1992; Native Auction Catalogue, Dec. 2016). 

6.75 in :: 17 cm

InventoryID #13-1505

SOLD