Currency torque - Mumuye - Nigeria - Early 20th century

Height: 24 cm / 9. 4 in Provenance: private collection, Belgium - information provided on request to the buyer. This piece is part of a set from this collection. Lot essay and expertise Galerie Gaunt Tribal Art, United Kingdom, ref SQ0784554 Dating: 1910 - 30's The base is included An iron torque decorated to form a twisted pattern in imitation of a bracelet. The end is open in a ring shape and the terminals are hammered flat and etched with geometric patterns on the edge. Currency bars can be used for large purchases (of land or animals) or to signify a transfer of wealth during major events, such as birth, coming of age, marriage or death. The most common use was the endowment to compensate a family for the loss of a daughter. Most of the shapes were developed from traditional metal objects that were already in use, such as weapons, tools, bracelets and anklets. While some have continued to be functional for work or for decorative purposes, most have evolved into "pure" currency, deliberately unusable except as objects recognized, valued and widely accepted as a means of payment. Shipping within 24 working hours Tracking number included Delivery against signature Tags: mask, statue, sculpture, figure, figurine, wood, art, france, belgium, netherlands, usa, dogon, contemporary, first, primitive, tribal, african, antiquity, work, gallery, picasso, giacometti, gallery d art, African art, cubism