{"product_id":"central-africa-cameroon-antique-pair-of-bamileke-forged-iron-hoe-blades-currency-pieces-rustic-monetary-bars-collectibles-coins","title":"Central Africa, Cameroon, Antique Pair Of Bamileke Forged Iron Hoe Blades Currency Pieces, Rustic Monetary Bars, Collectibles Coins","description":"Dimensions, Size of largest: 16.5 L x 3.25 W, equivalent to 41.9 cm x 8.3 cm. All measurements are approximate. Sold as pictured.\nProvenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA, acquired before 1995. Currently private NYC, USA.\n\nCentral Africa, Cameroon, dated as very early 20th century. A pair of Bamileke artist’s forged-iron currency pieces in the form of hoe blades. Each elongated blade features a sturdy tang on one end and a sharp edge on the opposite end. Normal surface wear and aging. Sold as pictured.\nWhile implements such as hoes, throwing knives and other weapons serve a utilitarian function, in some cases these objects were also used as currency. Fabricated from copper, bronze, iron and brass, these objects constitute some of the most dramatic and varied of African currency forms. Hoe money came in the shape of a heart, spade, paddle, teardrop, trowel, anchor or blade. In fact, the shapes began to overlap the objects classified as knives or blades. Hoe money varied in value, but most often it was used as bridewealth. Bridewealth is the exchange of currency or valuable goods and services to acknowledge all that the bride brings to her husband and his family, including the hope of descendants. Hoe money was also frequently reformed into other objects or implements as needed.","brand":"ByBoboNYC Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47789914882274,"sku":null,"price":540.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0813\/2997\/9618\/files\/0ca0bb33-il_fullxfull.7723480656_h9xh.jpg?v=1778448420","url":"https:\/\/bybobonyc-inc-2.myshopify.com\/products\/central-africa-cameroon-antique-pair-of-bamileke-forged-iron-hoe-blades-currency-pieces-rustic-monetary-bars-collectibles-coins","provider":"ByBoboNYC Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}