Blade, Date Unknown
Topokeexpand_more
Metalexpand_more
Gift of John Taylor and Rachel McNamaraexpand_more 2018.100.8
Not on Viewexpand_more
Metal currency predates minted coinage in Africa by many centuries. Iron was a precious, hard to come by material, and in many African languages the word for “iron” and for “money” is one and the same. This very large blade looks like a spearhead, but its makers, the Topoke from Central Africa, did not use it as a weapon. It served in important transactions, including land deals, payment of fines, and marriage compensation offered to the family of the bride.
Details
- Title
- Blade
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2018.100.8
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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