Photographs © Tim Hamill
MANGBETU, KNIFE CURRENCY 11, Iron & wood, 14.5", $125,Dem. Rep. Congo
The handle, though secure, is badly decayed on the back side.
These iron "weapons" were called "trombash" and were recognized and used as currency for rare but major transactions. Items are numbered left to right. Nos. 7, 8, 9 &11 have cracked or broken handles.
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