TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:     
    Idoma Currency,
    c. 1800

    A forged currency of flat abstract form and a slender ridged shaft with a
    dramatic triangular form at the top. This one from  the "Dutsi district,
    Kaduna State" (northeast central Nigeria).  Also know as the "dusty
    spike."

Ethnic Group:             
    Idoma Society

Country of Origin:         
    Nigeria, Cameroon

Material:                      
    Iron

Deminsions:
    27"  heigth

Reference:                  
    Sotheby’s Catalogue November 18 and 20, 2000.  A reference to this
    type of currency can be found in Sotheby's catalogue Of November 18
    and 20, 2000 on page 94.  Four currencies like this one are estimated at
    $1,500-$2,500

    Roberto Ballarini, Ferrie Monete dell' Africa Equatoriale, Galleria Africa
    Curio-Milano 1998. 37 Pages. p7

    Tom Joyce, Univ. of NC exhibition. Life Force at the Anvil, The
    Blacksmith's Art from Africa. Exhibition May - August 1998. 32 Pages.
    figure 37