Iron hoe currency – Mambila / Chamba area – Nigeria / Cameroon border region – Early 20th century or (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 34
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
 | €34 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €31 | |
 | €24 | |
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Iron hoe currency from the Mambila/Chamba area in the Nigeria–Cameroon border region, dating to the early 20th century or earlier; provenance collected by the seller and accompanying a custom metal display stand; forged iron, height 38 cm (41.5 cm with stand); authenticity Original.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Iron hoe currency – Mambila / Chamba area – Nigeria / Cameroon border region – Early 20th century or earlier
Details
Origin: Mambila / Chamba area
Region: Nigeria / Cameroon border region
Material: Forged iron
Height: 38 cm, 41.5 cm with stand
Period: early 20th century or earlier
Provenance: Collected by the seller
Custom metal display stand: included
Description
A fine old forged iron currency from the Mambila / Chamba area, in the Nigeria / Cameroon border region.
The object has a very distinctive form, with a broad hoe- or spade-shaped upper section and a long curved lower stem ending in a small hook-like loop. Its silhouette is both archaic and highly sculptural, combining the memory of an agricultural implement with the visual strength of an abstract forged form.
Iron currencies of this broad type circulated in parts of West and Central Africa as objects of value. They could be used in exchange, bridewealth payments, social transactions or as prestige objects. Their forms often moved beyond practical tools, becoming symbolic expressions of wealth, status and metalworking skill.
This example is especially attractive for its simplicity and balance. The wide flattened upper section contrasts beautifully with the long curved stem, giving the piece a strong graphic presence. The oxidised iron surface shows a deep, aged patina, with areas of corrosion, rubbing and natural variation.
A sober and elegant iron currency, appreciated for its archaic form, oxidised patina and strong sculptural character.
Condition
Good condition for an object of this age and type.
Oxidation, corrosion, surface pitting, wear, abrasions and irregularities consistent with age and use.
Small losses and age-related marks.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The object and its metal display stand.
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 hoe currency – Mambila / Chamba area – Nigeria / Cameroon border region – Early 20th century or earlier
Details
Origin: Mambila / Chamba area
Region: Nigeria / Cameroon border region
Material: Forged iron
Height: 38 cm, 41.5 cm with stand
Period: early 20th century or earlier
Provenance: Collected by the seller
Custom metal display stand: included
Description
A fine old forged iron currency from the Mambila / Chamba area, in the Nigeria / Cameroon border region.
The object has a very distinctive form, with a broad hoe- or spade-shaped upper section and a long curved lower stem ending in a small hook-like loop. Its silhouette is both archaic and highly sculptural, combining the memory of an agricultural implement with the visual strength of an abstract forged form.
Iron currencies of this broad type circulated in parts of West and Central Africa as objects of value. They could be used in exchange, bridewealth payments, social transactions or as prestige objects. Their forms often moved beyond practical tools, becoming symbolic expressions of wealth, status and metalworking skill.
This example is especially attractive for its simplicity and balance. The wide flattened upper section contrasts beautifully with the long curved stem, giving the piece a strong graphic presence. The oxidised iron surface shows a deep, aged patina, with areas of corrosion, rubbing and natural variation.
A sober and elegant iron currency, appreciated for its archaic form, oxidised patina and strong sculptural character.
Condition
Good condition for an object of this age and type.
Oxidation, corrosion, surface pitting, wear, abrasions and irregularities consistent with age and use.
Small losses and age-related marks.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The object and its metal display stand.
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
Yes
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Iron hoe currency – Mambila / Chamba area – Nigeria / Cameroon border region – Early 20th century or
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
