Currency, Igbo, Nigeria - Lot 97

Currency, Igbo, Nigeria Metal Early 20th century Height: 22 cm --- Mint, Igbo, Nigeria Metal Early 20th century Height: 22 cm Beyond its aesthetic qualities, the coil shape of this coin testifies to its utilitarian function, the tradition of which has its origins in the trade that began between the Portuguese and the Igbo people at the end of the fourteenth century. The Igbo, who received large quantities of copper in exchange for merchandise (ivory, pepper, then slaves), developed an impressive expertise in copper smelting, enabling them to transport it easily and trade beyond their territory. The technique consisted in hammering copper alloys into rods, which were then wound onto themselves to make coils that could be cut and adjusted to make various types of jewelry, including bracelets, as our object testifies. This bracelet coin is made up of nineteen coils forming a spring with flared flat ends. The symbolism of the spring as an "elastic organ capable of withstanding considerable deformation" is matched by the exceptionally flexible and malleable material of copper, whose qualities inspired the Igbo blacksmiths to create these beautiful spiral-wound coins. ---- The spool shape of this currency not only reflects its aesthetic qualities but also serves a utilitarian function rooted in the trade between the Portuguese and the Igbo people, which began in the late 14th century. The Igbo, receiving large quantities of copper in exchange for goods (ivory, pepper, and later slaves), developed an impressive copper smelting technique to transport it easily and trade beyond their territory. The technique involved hammering copper alloys into rods, which were then coiled to form spools that could be cut and adjusted to create various jewelry pieces, including bracelets, as exemplified by our object. This currency-bracelet consists of nineteen spools forming a spring, with flattened, flared ends. The symbolism of the spring as an "elastic organ capable of withstanding significant deformations" aligns with the exceptionally flexible and malleable copper material, whose qualities inspired the beauty of these spiral currency-bracelets crafted by Igbo blacksmiths.