Original African 19th Century Mongo People Ekonda Tribe Currency Knife Set – (2) Items Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. IMA President Christian Cranmer recalls times when as a boy, his father used to tell him that when he was young, there really were Atlases that had “UNEXPLORED” and “UNKNOWN” printed right across the center of the Continent of Africa. Needless to say the European Powers, especially the British, were always looking for new areas where they could expand the empire. In the later half of the 19th century, they started many “Campaigns” of conquest and Empire building. They fought against indigenous peoples, who were armed with edged weapons for the most part.

This extraordinary Native fighting sword is a typical example. It is are quite unique to itself, coming from a world that had no contact with Europeans, and most likely little contact at all outside of the local area. In these areas, the power of the sword was everything but alas, no match for the breech loading rifles of the Europeans.

The knives in this set are in a lovely, aged mature condition showing many years of faithful use. They have surface oxidation, pitting and dried handles but are otherwise lovely display items. These knives are known as “currency” or “hoe knives”. The shorter / broader bladed knife measures 18″ overall, with a 13″ blade, and the knife with the flared blade measures 19 1/4″ overall with a 15 1/4″ blade.

Probably the most dramatic and certainly the most varied metal currency forms are objects believed to be derived from implements and weapons. Popularly known respectively as hoe money and throwing knives, these objects were fabricated from copper, bronze, brass and iron.

Hoe money came in the shape of a heart, spade, paddle, teardrop, trowel, anchor or blade. In fact, the shapes began to overlap with the objects classified as knives or blades. Hoe money varied in value but was most often used as bridewealth. It was also frequently re-formed into other objects or implements as needed.

Currency derived from the throwing knife also came in many shapes and sizes, but its distinctive feature is the complexity in the orientation and size of its blades. These flattened shapes, often very thin, posed technical challenges to the blacksmith that required considerable skill and craftsmanship. In addition, many of the throwing knives were elaborately decorated, some on the blades and others only on the handles. Throwing knives are reported to have been used for bridewealth. Other evidence suggests, however, that they were emblems of office or status, carried in dances or other ceremonial occasions, and not currency at all.

This set comes more than ready for further research and display.