Hoe currency

Object Details

Mambila 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

Large iron hoe currency with ends that taper to rounded points and sides that have nearly symmetrical semicircular cuts at the middle creating a "waist" in the form.

Provenance

Tom Joyce, Santa Fe, 1986 to 2002

Exhibition History

African Mosaic: Selections from the Permanent Collection, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 19, 2013–August 12, 2019 (installed January 16, 2015–July 8, 2019)

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 Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks.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 Tom Joyce and museum purchase with funds donated by Carl Jennings

19th-20th century

Object number

2002-10-39

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

Iron

Dimensions

H x W x D: 71.1 x 27.3 x 1.9 cm (28 x 10 3/4 x 3/4 in.)

Geography

Cameroon

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

male

Trade

Currency

Record ID

nmafa_2002-10-39

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys73a82c9da-c211-40d7-a01b-05b8e4689766