Large African Topoke Iron Spear Currency
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Topoke, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. An elongated piece of forged iron spear currency has a narrow, flat shaft that tapers to a slender point at one end and opens at the other into a broad, kite-shaped head with angled shoulders. The proportions follow the spear-blade form, but the length and thin section suggest it was made to hold and exchange value rather than to serve as a weapon. Among the Topoke, iron objects like this one probably served in high-value exchanges, most notably bridewealth payments, and were often counted out and stored in bundles. It is an unusually long example of traditional African iron currency. Size: 57.25" H x 6.75" W (145.4 cm H x 17.1 cm W). The Topoke (also written Tofoke) live in the forested country of the upper Congo basin, in the area of the Lomami and Congo Rivers. Their smiths were known for oversized ceremonial and currency blades. Iron took great labor to smelt and forge, so it was a natural store of wealth across Central Africa. Over time, blade-shaped currencies became formalized units of exchange that circulated alongside, and eventually competed with, colonial coinage in the early 20th century. Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item # 161734
Condition
Losses to metal as shown, with pitting and oxidation throughout.
Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Topoke, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. An elongated piece of forged iron spear currency has a narrow, flat shaft that tapers to a slender point at one end and opens at the other into a broad, kite-shaped head with angled shoulders. The proportions follow the spear-blade form, but the length and thin section suggest it was made to hold and exchange value rather than to serve as a weapon. Among the Topoke, iron objects like this one probably served in high-value exchanges, most notably bridewealth payments, and were often counted out and stored in bundles. It is an unusually long example of traditional African iron currency. Size: 57.25" H x 6.75" W (145.4 cm H x 17.1 cm W). The Topoke (also written Tofoke) live in the forested country of the upper Congo basin, in the area of the Lomami and Congo Rivers. Their smiths were known for oversized ceremonial and currency blades. Iron took great labor to smelt and forge, so it was a natural store of wealth across Central Africa. Over time, blade-shaped currencies became formalized units of exchange that circulated alongside, and eventually competed with, colonial coinage in the early 20th century. Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700. PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception. Item # 161734
Condition
Losses to metal as shown, with pitting and oxidation throughout.
