Copper-alloy arched bar currency / ingot – Mbole / Ngelima – D.R. Congo (No reserve price)
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€ 2
No reserve price
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Copper-alloy arched bar currency ingot from the Mbole/Ngelima area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, dating from the 19th century to the early 20th century, weighing 905 g and measuring 15.5 × 10 cm, authenticity original/official, provenance Ex private French collection.
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Description from the seller
Copper-alloy arched bar currency / ingot – Mbole / Ngelima – D.R. Congo
Details
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
People: Mbole / Ngelima
Type: Arched bar currency / copper-alloy ingot
Material(s): Copper alloy
Dimensions: 15.5 x 10 cm
Weight: 905 g
Period: 19th century to early 20th century
Provenance: Ex private French collection
Description
A fine copper-alloy arched bar currency from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, attributable to the Mbole / Ngelima cultural area.
Currencies of this type belong to the wider corpus of Central African metal currencies, where copper-alloy objects could function both as stores of value and as prestige items. Among Congo River and related inland groups, heavy copper-alloy forms were used in exchange, social payments and wealth display.
This example has a compact but powerful arched form, with a thick faceted body and widened flattened terminals. The object is especially appealing for its dense weight, sculptural simplicity and strongly aged surface.
The patina is deep and varied, combining dark brown, reddish coppery tones and areas of green oxidation.
The raised edges show a subtle polish from handling and age, while the recessed areas retain more encrusted oxidation. This contrast gives the piece a strong archaeological and ethnographic presence.
The form is both abstract and very architectural: a simple curved ingot, almost minimal in design, but visually strong through its mass, balance and surface texture.
A very attractive Congolese copper-alloy currency, appreciated for its arched faceted form, heavy weight, old oxidized patina and strong sculptural presence.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, oxidation, pitting, abrasions, surface irregularities and green copper-alloy patina consistent with age and use.
No major structural damage visible.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The currency object only.
The small support 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.
Copper-alloy arched bar currency / ingot – Mbole / Ngelima – D.R. Congo
Details
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
People: Mbole / Ngelima
Type: Arched bar currency / copper-alloy ingot
Material(s): Copper alloy
Dimensions: 15.5 x 10 cm
Weight: 905 g
Period: 19th century to early 20th century
Provenance: Ex private French collection
Description
A fine copper-alloy arched bar currency from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, attributable to the Mbole / Ngelima cultural area.
Currencies of this type belong to the wider corpus of Central African metal currencies, where copper-alloy objects could function both as stores of value and as prestige items. Among Congo River and related inland groups, heavy copper-alloy forms were used in exchange, social payments and wealth display.
This example has a compact but powerful arched form, with a thick faceted body and widened flattened terminals. The object is especially appealing for its dense weight, sculptural simplicity and strongly aged surface.
The patina is deep and varied, combining dark brown, reddish coppery tones and areas of green oxidation.
The raised edges show a subtle polish from handling and age, while the recessed areas retain more encrusted oxidation. This contrast gives the piece a strong archaeological and ethnographic presence.
The form is both abstract and very architectural: a simple curved ingot, almost minimal in design, but visually strong through its mass, balance and surface texture.
A very attractive Congolese copper-alloy currency, appreciated for its arched faceted form, heavy weight, old oxidized patina and strong sculptural presence.
Condition
Good condition overall, with wear, oxidation, pitting, abrasions, surface irregularities and green copper-alloy patina consistent with age and use.
No major structural damage visible.
Please refer to the photographs.
Included
The currency object only.
The small support 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
Copper-alloy arched bar currency / ingot – Mbole / Ngelima – D.R. Congo
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
