Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba or Nkutshu (also Nkutschu) peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A lengthy spear currency piece with a large iron spearhead mounted atop a slender wooden pole via its socketing shaft. The upper section of the pole is wrapped with a strip of copper wire, and the bottom is capped with a cowbell bearing its original hammer. The Kuba people had a kingdom comprised of many different ethnic groups from the 16th to late 19th century with a central court at Bushoong. Spears like this one would have been used by elite members of the court to signify their wealth. Size: 3.625" W x 66.375" H (9.2 cm x 168.6 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#161742

  • Condition: Spearhead is slightly loose atop wooden pole, with abrasions to spear head, pole, and cowbell, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout. Cowbell hammer still creates sound when the side walls are struck.

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January 21, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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