20th C. African Topoke Iron Spear Currency - Liganda

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Topoke, Lokele, or Turumbu peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A massive forged-iron spearhead known as a liganda (also ngbele) with a crested blade and a pair of laterally protruding 'wings' above the narrow socketing shaft. The enormous size of this spearhead denotes it as a dihunga liganda. Liganda spears like this example were traditionally used as currency pieces for unusual and significant transactions as well as parts of bride price payments during marriage ceremonies. Their thin compositions meant that they were unable to be used as typical weapons. Size: 58.625" L x 9" W (148.9 cm x 22.9 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in December 2014; ex-private Denver, Colorado, USA collection

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#152010
Condition Report: Slight bending to overall form, with a stable hairline fissure to one side of blade, and abrasions and encrustations to blade, shoulder, and tang, otherwise intact and very good. Nice iron patina throughout.