Currency - Ambi - Mbole - DR Congo

08
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17
hours
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Julien Gauthier
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Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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This original copper Ambi currency, titled “Currency”, is from the DR Congo and belongs to the Mbole culture; it measures 10 × 8 × 3 cm.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Mbole Ambi Currency.
DR Congo.

Mbole currency, often referred to as 'the perfect form,' was worn around the ankle as a display of status by both women and men of the Mbole tribe. Formed from copper, these pieces were exchanged during marriage ceremonies. Copper was worked in Africa several hundred years before the use of iron. This ancient material is typically associated with fertility and water. Traditionally, these heavy copper "anklet" forms were recognized and used as currency for rare but major transactions.

Object type: Ambi Currency
Tribe: Mbole
Material: copper
Height: 3 cm

The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.

Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.

Seller's Story

Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects. Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné. Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders. Website: galeriemutu .com Instagram: galerie.mutu E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com

Mbole Ambi Currency.
DR Congo.

Mbole currency, often referred to as 'the perfect form,' was worn around the ankle as a display of status by both women and men of the Mbole tribe. Formed from copper, these pieces were exchanged during marriage ceremonies. Copper was worked in Africa several hundred years before the use of iron. This ancient material is typically associated with fertility and water. Traditionally, these heavy copper "anklet" forms were recognized and used as currency for rare but major transactions.

Object type: Ambi Currency
Tribe: Mbole
Material: copper
Height: 3 cm

The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.

Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.

Seller's Story

Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects. Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné. Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders. Website: galeriemutu .com Instagram: galerie.mutu E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com

Details

Indigenous object name
Ambi
Ethnic group/ culture
Mbole
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Material
Copper
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Currency
Height
3 cm
Width
10 cm
Depth
8 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
BelgiumVerified
95
Objects sold
100%
pro

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