Hide-Shaped Currency "Suu" or "So," Mambila / Mfumte, Nigeria

Hide-Shaped Currency "Suu" or "So," Mambila / Mfumte, Nigeria

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

  • Iron

  • Early 20th century

  • Dimensions: 25 x 9.5 in. / 63.5 x 24 cm

  • Height on custom stand: 12.5 in. / 32 cm

  • Item #CMA

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).

Additional currencies of this type are available in our Decor section, which can be seen here.

Domestic shipping included. International shipping quoted separately.

Inquire | Sign up to get our emails

Add To Cart
Throwing Knife, "Ngalio" Africa front view of Throwing Knife, "Ngalio" from Sara, Chad, Africa. Made of iron

Throwing Knife, "Ngalio" Africa

$450.00
Bronze Pendant with Two Figures, Senufo, Ivory Coast Senufo-Bronze-Pendant-Miniature-Ivory-Coast-Morgan-Oakes-Tribal-Gallery-San-Francisco.a.JPG

Bronze Pendant with Two Figures, Senufo, Ivory Coast

$525.00
SOLD: Ekonda African Anklet Currency, DR Congo #BMA-F Three-Konda-Brass-Anklets-Morgan-Oakes-Tribal-San-Francisco-1a2.jpg
Sold

SOLD: Ekonda African Anklet Currency, DR Congo #BMA-F

from $750.00
Kwere Lidded Vessel with Abstract Figure, Tanzania front view of Kwere Lidded Vessel with Abstract Figure from Tanzania, Africa. Made from Wood and natural fiber

Kwere Lidded Vessel with Abstract Figure, Tanzania

$400.00
Stone Game Board, Africa Stone-Mancala-Board-West-Africa-Morgan-Oakes-Gallery-Tribal-San-Francisco-1c.jpg

Stone Game Board, Africa

$0.00