Iron currency – Kirdi area – Northern Cameroon – Early 20th century or earlier (No reserve price)
01
day
00
hours
38
minutes
16
seconds
Current bid
€ 39
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
 | €39 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €36 | |
| €34 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 142734 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Iron currency – Kirdi area – Northern Cameroon – Early 20th century or earlier, originating from the Kirdi area in Northern Cameroon, made of iron with cotton and leather bindings, about 57 cm tall, provenance Collected in situ by the seller, authentic/original, in good condition and not supplied with a display stand.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Iron currency – Kirdi area – Northern Cameroon – Early 20th century or earlier
Details
Origin: Kirdi area / Northern Cameroon
Material: Iron, cotton and leather bindings
Height: 57 cm
Period: early 20th century or earlier
Provenance: Collected in situ by the seller
Display stand: not included
Description
A strong forged iron currency from the Kirdi area of Northern Cameroon.
The piece has a powerful archaic presence, with a long narrow shaft rising to a broad crescent-shaped upper section. The curved blade-like form, ending in a small projecting point, gives the object a striking silhouette, somewhere between tool, emblem and abstract figure.
Its form is particularly appealing for its slightly anthropomorphic quality. The small protrusion visible on the shaft, combined with the rounded upper mass and elongated vertical body, gives the piece a subtle feminine presence, without this interpretation being forced or overly literal.
Iron currencies of this type circulated in Northern Cameroon and surrounding regions, where they could serve as means of exchange, prestige objects, ceremonial valuables or forms connected with social transactions. Beyond their monetary function, these objects are appreciated today for their sculptural strength and their highly expressive forged forms.
This example is especially attractive for its sober and almost brutalist construction. The oxidised surface has developed a dark, polished patina from age and handling. The lower grip is very raw, with old cotton and leather bindings, adding to the ethnographic character of the piece.
A fine old iron currency, appreciated for its strong silhouette, oxidised patina, archaic presence and unusual anthropomorphic suggestion.
Condition
Good condition for an object of this age and type.
Oxidation, wear, surface irregularities, abrasions and small losses consistent with age, use and material.
The lower bindings are worn and fragile, but still present.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The object only.
The display stand visible in the photographs is not included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Iron currency – Kirdi area – Northern Cameroon – Early 20th century or earlier
Details
Origin: Kirdi area / Northern Cameroon
Material: Iron, cotton and leather bindings
Height: 57 cm
Period: early 20th century or earlier
Provenance: Collected in situ by the seller
Display stand: not included
Description
A strong forged iron currency from the Kirdi area of Northern Cameroon.
The piece has a powerful archaic presence, with a long narrow shaft rising to a broad crescent-shaped upper section. The curved blade-like form, ending in a small projecting point, gives the object a striking silhouette, somewhere between tool, emblem and abstract figure.
Its form is particularly appealing for its slightly anthropomorphic quality. The small protrusion visible on the shaft, combined with the rounded upper mass and elongated vertical body, gives the piece a subtle feminine presence, without this interpretation being forced or overly literal.
Iron currencies of this type circulated in Northern Cameroon and surrounding regions, where they could serve as means of exchange, prestige objects, ceremonial valuables or forms connected with social transactions. Beyond their monetary function, these objects are appreciated today for their sculptural strength and their highly expressive forged forms.
This example is especially attractive for its sober and almost brutalist construction. The oxidised surface has developed a dark, polished patina from age and handling. The lower grip is very raw, with old cotton and leather bindings, adding to the ethnographic character of the piece.
A fine old iron currency, appreciated for its strong silhouette, oxidised patina, archaic presence and unusual anthropomorphic suggestion.
Condition
Good condition for an object of this age and type.
Oxidation, wear, surface irregularities, abrasions and small losses consistent with age, use and material.
The lower bindings are worn and fragile, but still present.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The object only.
The display stand visible in the photographs is not included.
Seller's Story
For more than 30 years, I have collected African art with a focus on authenticity, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship.
Graduated as an engineer from École Centrale de Paris, I combine the rigor of my technical background with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural heritage.
Founder of AS’ART (dedicated to contemporary handmade design) and Artifacts Gallery (devoted to ancient tribal art and ethnographic objects), I bring together two worlds: the vitality of today’s artisans and the timeless heritage of Africa’s past.
Every piece I present is chosen for its artistic quality, cultural significance, and emotional power.
Details
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Iron currency – Kirdi area – Northern Cameroon – Early 20th century or earlier
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
