Browse Items (4 total)

Copper ingots cast in the shape of an X were a form of currency. These originated in the copper-rich region of the Congo as well as in Northern and Southern Rhodesia. Molten copper obtained by smelling malachite ore was cast to create this X shape.

One of a kind, hand-forged iron blade with encrusted brown and silver patina, with a wood handle. “Weapons” such as this one were used as currency for barter and other transactions.

This unusual mask of a man’s face is made of carved wood with dark brown vegetable pigment and white koalin. His hair is done as a three-part coiffure. The mask is worn by a person acting as the tribe’s police or to frighten an enemy.

This mask is made of carved wood with a dark brown vegetable pigment and red and yellow ochre earth pigments, and white kaolin. There is a wood handle at the chin for holding the mask, and a basketry headdress on top, covered with fabric. Raffia is…