Currency - Black iron - Afo - Nigeria

Currencies in African AFO art. African art features many varied so-called “primitive” currencies. Many are made in black iron, a particularly sought-after metal, others are made in copper, considered as more precious than the gold brought by the Portuguese to pay the slave trade, others are in glass-beads, human or animal teeth. The list may be long and each currency is an artistic treasure. Please note that some iron objects used as currencies are also throwing knives or prestigious swords. All of these currencies served to conclude transactions between individuals or tribes. These could also be used for individual purposes, to buy some livestock consumer goods, or to serve as dowry for a marriage. Sometimes, these currencies were worn as ornaments and were transmitted by lineage.