Mandjong Currency

PIECE
Mandjong currency blade

REGION
Gabon

CULTURE
Kwele, Bakwele

DATE
First half of the 20th century

MEDIUM
Iron

CONDITION
Patina of use, one restoration

DESCRIPTION
Anchor-shaped currencies, called Mandjong, were introduced in the early 20th century by merchants of the N’Goko Sangha company in order to acquire ivory. According to the writings of Jane Guyer, these currencies were used in the Ogooué basin to purchase wives.

Fine examples, showing a beautiful oxidation with variations of orange-toned hues. A comparable piece was loaned by the Musée de l’Homme in 1966 for the Houston Festival of Arts.

PROVENANCE
Former collection of Guy Keribin, Merchant Navy Officer.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Roberto Ballarini, The Perfect Form, On the Track of African Currency, Milan: 2009
• The Iron currencies of Southern Cameroon, Cambridge : 1985.
• Made of Iron, University of St. Thomas, Art Department, Houston, Texas

EXHIBITIONS
Biarritz 1994, Galerie Jaïs, 2023.

DIMENSIONS
51 & 49 cm