African Currency – MONGO, JONGA, NKUTSHU – DR Congo

Bronze bar, lost wax fusion, curved disc-shaped ends. The piece is 17,5 width x 10,0 high (6.88″ x 3.93″). Gr. 834,9 (29.45 oz.).

The original name, Ouganda, derives from Jonga group, famous for its smiths. The Jonga, living in the upper course of the River Tshuapa, considered bronze a prestigius metal and the possession of these currencies represented the power to get women.

For similar examples and more informations see:

• “The Perfect Form”, by Roberto Ballarini, page 294;
• “African Currency”, by Adolfo Bartolomucci, page 103.