Fali Bousouli currency
African art: iron currencies
Iron is a very special artistic medium in African tribal art. The work of this ore arrived late, following exchanges with the West who brought the necessary techniques to the forge, with the exception of the countries of North Africa which already had knowledge of these techniques since Antiquity.
Iron objects are most often coins or throwing knives, mostly from Nigeria and Cameroon. Here, a beautiful torque coin presented on its personalized support. The ring is twisted and shoots out into two flattened, chiseled and perforated ends.
The so-called "primitive" bousouli Fali currencies were used as dowries during weddings or in order to barter goods.
Support from a specialist workshop is included.
Provenance: W. F. collection, Germany. Collected in Maroua, in northern Cameroon, not far from Chad, 1940.
00000
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1940
- Size
- 25 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Black iron
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Germany
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
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African art: iron currencies
Iron is a very special artistic medium in African tribal art. The work of this ore arrived late, following exchanges with the West who brought the necessary techniques to the forge, with the exception of the countries of North Africa which already had knowledge of these techniques since Antiquity.
Iron objects are most often coins or throwing knives, mostly from Nigeria and Cameroon. Here, a beautiful torque coin presented on its personalized support. The ring is twisted and shoots out into two flattened, chiseled and perforated ends.
The so-called "primitive" bousouli Fali currencies were used as dowries during weddings or in order to barter goods.
Support from a specialist workshop is included.
Provenance: W. F. collection, Germany. Collected in Maroua, in northern Cameroon, not far from Chad, 1940.