• 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.

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