Description:

**Originally Listed At $400**

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ngongo or Iyembe tribes, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A fine pair of forged-copper rods that have been repeatedly spiraled into a lengthy spiral, with one bearing a vertical form, and the other with a slight bend near the midsection. The tightly wound base of each currency piece extends up in a serpentine manner and terminates in an abstract conical head representative of a snake. Snake currency pieces like these examples are important components of marriage ceremonies as they can be part of the bride-price dowry or as symbols that an unusual or special transaction or exchange has taken place. Size of largest (straight): 3" W x 41.25" H (7.6 cm x 104.8 cm); 43.5" H (110.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired between July 2006 and August 2006; ex-private Everton, Arkansas, USA collection

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#152500

  • Condition: Both items have minor abrasions to body and both ends, with light encrustations, slight bending to overall forms, and elongations to some coils, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout.

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April 30, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000