YORUBA MONEYBELT CURRENCY, Nigeria


YORUBA 1-5
39-52" long
75-88 rings
$250 each

YORUBA  6-10
46-53" long
76-90 rings
$250 each

YORUBA 11
16" long
122 rings
SOLD

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

YORUBA, MONEYBELT CURRENCY, Nigeria

These brass rings were tied together with a leather snake-like spine and worn as a belt. This form was recognized and used as currency and could be broken up for smaller transactions. The belts have between 75 and 90 rings each and are numbered on the individual pages. They can be hung or arranged in infinite compositions.It is possible that they were worn and used by donkey cart drivers as a badge of office, with the rings serving as fares.

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