A. Tyner Antiques Showroom
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12"width 6"depth 63.75"height
An African iron currency blade or sword currency from the Nkutshu, Topoke & Songo Meno peoples, Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) which is nicely presented upon a custom metal stand. Such blades were used by various tribal groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a form of currency. They were used to close a variety of important transactions such as land deals or the proposal of marriage. This primitive sword currency was forged from a single piece of iron. Metal currency pre-dated minted coinage in Africa by many centuries. These African sword currencies date range from the 1700-1900's.
More details and photos at: https://www.swedishantiques.biz/item/accessories-1873