Throwing Knife Currency 3

Regular price $185.00 $425.00 Sale

Matakam Tribe, Nigeria 
22.5"L X 9"W X 1"D

African currency pieces were used both for major purchases (land, animals, dowries) and to signify a transfer of wealth at major events, such as a coming of age ceremony or death. Many forms developed from traditional and useful metal objects like tools, weapons, bracelets or anklets. Although some continued to be functional for work or decoration, most evolved into "pure" currency, deliberately unusable except as a payment. This shape was inspired by the traditional throwing knife––a weapon designed to be deadly in the hands of a skilled fighter. Its sculptural points and curves satisfy the aesthetic criteria we so appreciate in African art.