Rare Coin / Wedding Dowry TETELA - DR Congo
06
days
16
hours
13
minutes
48
seconds
Current bid
€ 180
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 430 - € 480
 | €180 | |
|---|---|---|
| €155 |
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Description from the seller
- Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Tribe name: TETELA
- Material: Copper
- Dimensions (mm): 409x63x26
- Weight (g): 458
- Shipping method: Colissimo + Insurance
Very rare objects in their current state, as they were "primarily" made of copper, and were melted more easily than bronze or iron coins to create other objects.
Their various forms (knife/swords or simple figurative coins depicting a weapon such as a knife (a reference to the spear tips of the same ethnic group – strength and power in war as in hunting)) indicated that they were used for marriage dowries. The future groom did not "buy a wife" but would not compensate with a gift; it was the bride's parents who received the offering.
The double-edged blades signified the union of the spouses. The double-edged scepters, even rarer, were mounted on a wooden or iron shaft and were carried by the fetish priests during the ceremony and the consecration of this union.
- Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Tribe name: TETELA
- Material: Copper
- Dimensions (mm): 409x63x26
- Weight (g): 458
- Shipping method: Colissimo + Insurance
Very rare objects in their current state, as they were "primarily" made of copper, and were melted more easily than bronze or iron coins to create other objects.
Their various forms (knife/swords or simple figurative coins depicting a weapon such as a knife (a reference to the spear tips of the same ethnic group – strength and power in war as in hunting)) indicated that they were used for marriage dowries. The future groom did not "buy a wife" but would not compensate with a gift; it was the bride's parents who received the offering.
The double-edged blades signified the union of the spouses. The double-edged scepters, even rarer, were mounted on a wooden or iron shaft and were carried by the fetish priests during the ceremony and the consecration of this union.
Details
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 19th century
Material
Copper
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Rare Coin / Wedding Dowry TETELA
Height
40.9 cm
Width
6.3 cm
Depth
2.6 cm
Weight
458 g
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
Disclaimer: Decorative and Martial Arts Use Only This item is offered for auction with the understanding that it is intended exclusively for decorative purposes or martial arts practice. By participating in this auction, you agree to: Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. Ensure that your use of this item is consistent with the stated purposes. Please note that this item has not been inspected by Catawiki for safety or functionality. Catawiki does not condone illegal activities and is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this item.
