Antique African Currency, "Suu" or "So," Mfunte, Nigeria

Antique African Currency, "Suu" or "So," Mfunte, Nigeria

from $950.00
  • Mambila / Mfumte (Mfunte) / Kwanja (Kwadja) / Mbem / Yamba, Nigeria, Africa

  • Iron

  • Early 20th century

Sold individually.

  • CMA: 25 x 9.5 in. / 63.5 x 24 cm. Height on custom stand: 12.5 in. 32 cm $950

  • CMB: 24.5 x 9 in. / 62 x 23 cm. Height on custom stand: 12 in. / 30 cm. $950

  • CMF: 29 x 10 in. / 74 x 25 cm. Height on custom stand: 13 in. / 33 cm. $950

  • CMG: 29 x 10.5 in. / 74 x 27 cm. Height on custom stand: 13.5 in. / 34 cm. $1,050

  • CMH: 25 x 9 in. / 63.5 x 23 cm. Height on custom stand: 12 in. / 30 cm. $950

  • CMJ: 26.5 x 10 in. / 67 x 25 cm. Height on custom stand: 13 in. / 33 cm. $950

  • CML: 27 x 10 in. / 69 x 25 cm. Height on custom stand: 13 in. / 33 cm. $950

  • CMN: 28.5 x 10.5 in. / 72 x 27 cm. Height on custom stand: 13.5 in. / 34 cm. $950

  • CMP: 9.5 x 25.5 in. / 24 x 65 cm. Height on custom stand: 28 in. / 71 cm. $950

  • CMR: 9.25 x 25.75 in. / 23.5 x 65.5 cm. Height on custom stand: 28.25 in. 72 cm. $950

This iron currency, shaped like a stretched hide, was circulated as a means of payment across northeastern Nigeria and northern Cameroon. It was also used for dowry payments in marriage contracts. As late as the 1950s, it was still being used for payments in local markets (Ballarini, The Perfect Form, 2009; Ginzberg, African Forms, 2000).

Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.

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