(1) - Ferro nero - Chamba - la nigeria settentrionale

Africa is particularly rich in trade currencies, like cowry shells. Several of these are made of black iron, a particularly sought metal, others are in copper, considered as more valuable than the gold brought by the Portuguese to buy slaves, others consisted in Venetian glass-beads. All of these currencies served to conclude transactions between individuals or tribes. The latter could also be used for individual purposes, to purchase livestock, goods, or could serve as dowry for a marriage.

Rare large Mumuye currency forming a “serpentine bouquet”. The pointy tip makes it a stake. It is composed of ten intertwined snakes, including five of which are twisted.
Refined style.
In its glaze.