The Macdonald Collection of Primitive Currency

Congo, Bell Money, iron, painted black and white, handle pierced at top, 34.5 x 11.3cm (Quiggin pp.74-5, cf. fig. 18). Some rust, very fine, rare (£90-120)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Macdonald Collection of Primitive Currency.

View
Collection

Plate II. Not fitted with clappers, bells could be used as currency (as were other implements such as hoes) because of their intrinsic value. They also had a practical use, having the resonance of cow bells when struck