4 African Iron Currency Blades, Traditional Bridewealth

West Africa, Nigeria, Idoma peoples. A group of four currency blades, each is hand-forged in iron with a flared, spatulate upper section tapering to a long, narrow shaft terminating in a slightly expanded foot. Two retain broad flat heads with defined shoulders; two have wider blade sections with irregular hammered margins. Surfaces show oxidation and hammer texture throughout, with the marks of forging visible along the shafts. Blades of this type functioned as a medium of exchange, bridewealth payment, and store of value. Item # 203587

Estimate:$175

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