Kristel Mach- Research

Nigerian Necklace Currency, Iron, Chamba Culture, Early 20th Cen., William Siegal Gallery

http://www.williamsiegal.com/collections/objects/african/CHB_0001_o.html

In my research I have found that many different types of objects have been used as currency. The objects that interest me most are the bracelets and necklaces made of iron that were used in Africa. Iron and metal-working was a magical thing in Pre-Colonial Africa, and few knew how to create this art. For this reason, as well as the functionality of metal jewelry, these pieces were highly valued. I am intrigued by the flowing shapes and texture of these necklaces.T The more intricate or the larger in size of the jewelry, the more it was worth. Silver and gold were also used to create jewelry for currency. Other objects made of iron were also used as currency, such as knives and bells, as well as iron bars known as Barriferri. 

In Africa, where few extensive nation-states existed, commerce among various societies depended on commonly held values that spanned great geographical distances and a broad diversity of activities. Societies assigned worth to objects that were relevant to their own circumstances: objects that were rare enough to be valued yet plentiful enough to be widely traded. Daily monetary transactions were conducted with cowrie shells, aggrey (glass) beads, woven cloth strips, and raffia mats.

Art, craftsmanship and skill often influenced the acceptance of an object as currency. Blacksmiths and goldsmiths devoted their virtuosity to the creation of the graceful and striking articles to be used for trade. Smithsonian Institution http://www.sites.si.edu/exhinitions/exhibits/currency/main.htm