Zemanek-Münster

Iron currency

Nigeria, Angas
sold EUR 250
Provenance
Peter Stoffers, Kiel, Germany
Size
H: 97 cm
B: 69 cm
H: 38.2 inch
B: 27.2 inch

Description

These heavy hand-forged iron plates in the shape of an oversized flat shovel served as ceremonial means of payment.

According to field report from 1967, they were said to have been used by the Angas as a gift for the father of the bride. “One iron money plus two goats for a wife, one iron money for a slave”.


Comparing literature

Bartolomucci, Adolfo, African Currency, Milan 2012, p. 58

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