Igbo Ibo Coiled Copper Manilla OLD African Currency Start Price USD 585.00 Current Price USD 585.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 24, 2008 End Time Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Location Santa Fe, NM See more about 'Igbo Ibo Coiled Copper Manilla OLD African Currency' Description   Early Igbo Ibo Coiled Copper Manilla MoneyAntique Tribal Art Old African Currency Nigeria     Magnificent Early Igbo Cast Copper Coiled Manilla CurrencyAntique Tribal Art - Old African Currency Primitive Money - Nigeria Collected from the: Igbo (Ibo) peoples of Nigeria, West AfricaMaterial: Forged copper flared bulbous endsPeriod: Early 18th century, conservativelyDimensions: 11.5" length, 4" outermost coil diameter, 1.75" knob end; weight is 6.9 poundsCondition: Exceptional - no cracks, breaks or repairs. Exhibits signs typical of the early lost wax process, dating this coil to a much earlier period than the drawn wire specimens. Outer edges of ends bear signs of erosion, deep chocolate patina, copper highlights, encrusted verdigris suggestive of previous burial. Please click on the photos below to more fully appreciate this remarkable piece! And be sure to see the amazing AFRICAN CURRENCY in our eBay store! Or explore our beautiful AFRICAN BRONZES ! Click Images to Enlarge Igbo Ibo Manilla Currency CoilsCoiled manilla currency "bracelets" were used in West Africa from the 15th century until 1948 to store or cache wealth, and as currency in rare but major transactions including the purchase of a wife or slaves. There is some debate as to whether these coils were cast with the old lost wax method, or forged by coiling lengths of wire brought in by the early European traders. After examining several coils, we personally believe both sides of this scholarly debate have merit. A few earlier pieces show clear signs typical of the casting process while the vast majority of coils were later pieces and obviously forged of wire. Igbo Ibo Tribal HistoryThe 8,000,000 Igbo people settled in an area of forests and swamps in the northern part of the Niger River Delta in southern Nigeria and live primarily from farming. Village councils composed of the eldest people from each family govern the tribe though their power is counter-balanced by secret societies. Igbo arts are notable for their quality, diversity and quantity, comprising a vast corpus of sophisticated figural sculptures and masks, implements, paintings, and architecture in terracotta, ivoire, iron, various fibers, unfired clay, bronze, brass and wood all created to serve a critical role in upholding Igbo values - from the emotional and psychological well-being of an individual to the larger world view and continuity of an entire community. These arts functioned simultaneously to improve and reflect the quality of life, to honor gods, and to entertain. The earliest Igbo art forms - spectacular copper-alloy castings from Igbo-Ukwu - date back to the tenth century and are considered the earliest known fine metal objects from tropical Africa. Virtually no aspect of Igbo life is untouched by aesthetic concerns. Cat. # fcmc2 ************************************************************************************ THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING SANTA FE AFRICAN ART !!! We strive to earn your ***** FIVE STAR ***** rating in all 4 categories!If you are not 5 star satisfied, please contact us immediately!Your Satisfaction is Unconditionally Guaranteed ! ************************************************************************************ Multiple purchases = SUBSTANTIAL savings on your shipping costs! Never a charge for handling! 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