Early 20th C. African Matakam Iron Sickle Currency
West Africa, Cameroon, Matakam peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A forged-iron currency piece in the form of a crescent-shaped sickle blade with a sharpened interior edge, a thick spine, and a rounded terminal nodule. The slender neck twists down until expanding outward to form the conical socketing shaft. Currency pieces like this example were shaped after tools or items with inherent practical value, and during the agricultural harvest season the sickle was of paramount importance. These sickles were also used during dance rituals during the opening of the dry season to channel the earth's energy though the iron to ensure bountiful harvests. Size: 6.4" W x 15.75" H (16.3 cm x 40 cm)
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired between 2000 and 2005
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#151955
Condition Report: Slight bending to overall form, with minor chip to interior blade edge, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits and patina throughout.
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West Africa, Cameroon, Matakam peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A forged-iron currency piece in the form of a crescent-shaped sickle blade with a sharpened interior edge, a thick spine, and a rounded terminal nodule. The slender neck twists down until expanding outward to form the conical socketing shaft. Currency pieces like this example were shaped after tools or items with inherent practical value, and during the agricultural harvest season the sickle was of paramount importance. These sickles were also used during dance rituals during the opening of the dry season to channel the earth's energy though the iron to ensure bountiful harvests. Size: 6.4" W x 15.75" H (16.3 cm x 40 cm)
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired between 2000 and 2005
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#151955
Condition Report: Slight bending to overall form, with minor chip to interior blade edge, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits and patina throughout.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
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