Lot 94A

Large West Africa Beaded Brass Prestige Currency Pouch

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Large West Africa Beaded Brass Prestige Currency Pouch

Estimate: $500 - $800

Starting Bid: $250

(0 Bids)

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

West Africa, Nigeria/Benin, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A large prestige currency and ritual container, cast in brass and bronze using the lost-wax technique. The pouch-shaped body is topped with a broad sliding lid fitted over a pair of suspension loops, the surface enriched with concentric circular and scalloped designs. A beaded handle of red and yellow glass beads is attached above. The lower edge of the container features multiple suspension loops hung with strands of colorful glass beads in red, yellow, and black, terminating in cast brass currency rings. These impressive objects served both as prestige currency and as ritual containers, capable of holding sacred herbs, medicines, or magical items, embodying wealth, authority, and spiritual significance within Benin and Yoruba cultural contexts. Size of metal pouch 10" L x 7" W (25.4 cm x 17.8 cm); beaded tassels add approximately 7" L (17.8 cm)

Provenance: private Star City, Arkansas, USA collection

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#197140

  • Condition: Casting imperfections, with pitting and rubbing to surface. . Several small perforations to the sides of the container. Dark patina and green oxidation on the interior. Beads are strung on thin threads that are fraying and delicate, but could easily be restrung to be more secure.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000