Old African Currency – MFUNTE / MAMBILA – Nigeria

Copper Alloy. 19th century. Cm. 24,3 width x 67,0 high (9.57 x 26.38 Inches); grams 1.930,0 (68.08 oz.).

In scratch forged wrought iron, this currency has a vertical grain which divides the surface in two non synchronous levels. It cicurlated in the entire north-east region of Nigeria and the western part of Cameroon.

Used as payment for the bride in marriage contracts.

For similar examples and more informations see:

– “The Perfect Form”, by Roberto Ballarini, page 328 and page 157;

– “African Currency”, by Adolfo Bartolomucci, page 49.

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