Topoke, Dem. Rep. of Congo: a large piece of ‘spear money’, called ‘liganda’ or ‘doa’. Forged in iron and used as ‘pre-numismatic form of currency’ (‘primitive money’) until c. 1920.
Topoke, Dem. Rep. of Congo: a large piece of ‘spear money’, called ‘liganda’ or ‘doa’. Forged in iron and used as ‘pre-numismatic form of currency’ (‘primitive money’) until c. 1920.
The Topoke and their related tribes (Lokele, Budja etc.) in north-eastern Congo used this ‘spear money’, known as ‘liganda’ or ‘doa’, until c. 1920 for large, important acquisitions. Around 1900 the bride price for a woman cost between 40 and 50 ‘liganda’. One could purchase a large boat for 20 ‘liganda’, etc.
The present piece of ‘spear money’ shows the classical form of this ‘primitive money’: at the bottom is a short lip, by which this large ‘coin’ can be stuck onto a stick or into the earth. Surmounted by a broad, flat lozenge, which continues upwards in a long, flat point, with an offset middle ridge and long linear decoration on both sides, each on the left side of the ‘spear’. Forged from a single piece of iron. The present ‘Topoke liganda’ is complete, without damage and without nicks. This is rare. Length: 167 cm; width: 39 cm. Around 1900. (ME)
Provenance: Private collection, Vienna.
Lit.: ‘A Survey of Primitive Money’ by H. Quiggin, plate 1, ill. 12; ‘The perfect Form’ by Roberto Ballarini, ill. p., 282, 283; ‘African Currency’ by Adolfo Bartolomucci, ill. p. 98, 99.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
06.04.2017 - 15:00
- Prezzo realizzato: **
-
EUR 750,-
- Prezzo di partenza:
-
EUR 180,-
Topoke, Dem. Rep. of Congo: a large piece of ‘spear money’, called ‘liganda’ or ‘doa’. Forged in iron and used as ‘pre-numismatic form of currency’ (‘primitive money’) until c. 1920.
The Topoke and their related tribes (Lokele, Budja etc.) in north-eastern Congo used this ‘spear money’, known as ‘liganda’ or ‘doa’, until c. 1920 for large, important acquisitions. Around 1900 the bride price for a woman cost between 40 and 50 ‘liganda’. One could purchase a large boat for 20 ‘liganda’, etc.
The present piece of ‘spear money’ shows the classical form of this ‘primitive money’: at the bottom is a short lip, by which this large ‘coin’ can be stuck onto a stick or into the earth. Surmounted by a broad, flat lozenge, which continues upwards in a long, flat point, with an offset middle ridge and long linear decoration on both sides, each on the left side of the ‘spear’. Forged from a single piece of iron. The present ‘Topoke liganda’ is complete, without damage and without nicks. This is rare. Length: 167 cm; width: 39 cm. Around 1900. (ME)
Provenance: Private collection, Vienna.
Lit.: ‘A Survey of Primitive Money’ by H. Quiggin, plate 1, ill. 12; ‘The perfect Form’ by Roberto Ballarini, ill. p., 282, 283; ‘African Currency’ by Adolfo Bartolomucci, ill. p. 98, 99.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
|
Hotline dell'acquirente
lun-ven: 10.00 - 17.00
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| Asta: | Tribal Art |
| Tipo d'asta: | Asta in sala |
| Data: | 06.04.2017 - 15:00 |
| Luogo dell'asta: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Esposizione: | 01.04. - 06.04.2017 |
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