Fine collection of four 18th - 19th century African Tribal currency's on stand from the world renowned collector and author Roberto Ballarini.
From left to right
1. Toma, Kissi (Kisi,Ghisi, Gizi) Currency in forged iron made by the Toma tribe and spread from 1800 by the Kissi throughout the West African region and commercialised in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The currency could be used singularly to buy food, musical instruments, beads, shells etc, or it could be tied up in bundles of 5, 10 or 20 pieces, secured in the middle by a cloth or cotton strip. Height 35, Width 7, Depth 7 cm
2. Idoma, Iron currency from Nigeria that spread along the southern basin of the Benue River. The surface has brushed made lines. Height 80, Width 36, Depth 12 cm
3. Mumuye, Chamba. Iron currency which are two two big iron bars twisted together in a rope like shape, circulated in Nigeria in the pre-colonial period. Height 48, Width 29, Depth 10 cm
4. Mambila, Mfumte, Kwanja. Hoe/Iron Currency. Nigeria, Cameroon. This piece of currency , made of forged iron with brush-made lines on it's surface, presents a slight vertical veining that divides it into two mismatched levels. It circulated as a means of payment all over the North - East region of Nigeria. It was also used as bride-money marriage contracts. It also circulated among the Mbem and Yamba groups living in the Nwa, a west Cameroon village to the north of Bamenda. Height 65, Width 24, Depth 12 cm
