Spear money, West Africa
Spear money, West Africa
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- Description
- Various West African communities produced metal currency in the shapes of spears and other weapons for specific kinds of exchange, such as ceremonial payments for marriages (bridewealth). They were made from a range of metals including iron, copper, brass, and bronze. While they were typically not designed for use, they could be melted down and transformed into weapons, tools, or ornaments.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- Spearhead
- alternative currency
- date made
- n.d.
- Physical Description
- iron (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall:;
- ID Number
- NU.79.112.OC133
- accession number
- 1979.1263
- catalog number
- 79.112.OC133
- Credit Line
- The Chase Manhattan Bank
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
- West African Currency
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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