Object Details
- Undetermined artist
- Label Text
- While Implements such as hoes, throwing knives and other weapons serve a utilitarian function, in some cases these objects were also used as currency. Fabricated from copper, bronze, iron and brass, these objects constitute some of the most dramatic and varied of African currency forms. Hoe money came in the shape of a heart, spade, paddle, teardrop, trowel, anchor or blade. In fact, the shapes began to overlap the objects classified as knives or blades. Hoe money varied in value, but most often it was used as bridewealth. Bridewealth is the exchange of currency or valuable goods and services to acknowledge all that the bride brings to her husband and his family, including the hope of descendants. Hoe money was also frequently reformed into other objects or implements as needed.
- Description
- Thin iron currency with flaring, rounded top and tapering, pointed bottom with an overall dark patina.
- Provenance
- African trader, New York, -- to 1997
- Jean and Noble Endicott, New York, 1997 to 2000
- Exhibition History
- Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Credit Line
- Gift of Drs. Jean and Noble Endicott
- Late 19th-early 20th century
- Object number
- 2000-28-8
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Sculpture
- Medium
- Iron
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 39.8 x 12 x .2 cm (15 11/16 x 4 3/4 x 1/16 in.)
- Geography
- Cameroon
- See more items in
- National Museum of African Art Collection
- Exhibition
- Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts
- On View
- NMAfA, Second Level Gallery (2193)
- National Museum of African Art
- Topic
- Marriage
- male
- Trade
- Currency
- Record ID
- nmafa_2000-28-8
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys75986815d-161f-4bbd-8cb7-2ca5bd6e9494
