An iron Topoke sword currency, mounted on a solid oak base. Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire), early 20th Century. Such blades were used by various tribal groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a form of currency by the Nkutshu, Topoke & Songo Meno Peoples. They were used to close a variety of important transactions such as land deals or marriage proposals. This primitive sword currency was forged from a single piece of iron. Metal currency pre-dated minted coinage in Africa by many centuries.
These African sword currencies date range from the 1700-1900's.
199 cm high by 39 cm wide by 23.5 cm depth
SKU: D2829
These African sword currencies date range from the 1700-1900's.
199 cm high by 39 cm wide by 23.5 cm depth
SKU: D2829