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