Ingots

Object Details

Luba artist

Label Text

Due to its scarcity, copper, the "red" metal, was associated with kings, leadership and wealth, all important factors in its use as currency. In parts of west and central Africa, copper ingots were a widely used form of currency. An ingot is a mass of metal cast into a bar, arch, X or H shape. Ingots were used as stored wealth that could be easily transported and used as a unit of currency. They are cast in a range of sizes, and are often melted down and re-cast into different shapes.

Description

Small copper ingot currency or croisettes of the HX type. This group of 5 ingots shows stable oxidation with some minor pitting. Mold form ridges are visible on the underside.

Provenance

Tom Joyce, Santa Fe, 1986 to 2002

Exhibition History

BIG/small, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., January 17-July 23, 2006

From Slavery to Freedom, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, July 2004-October 2007 (2002-10-3.3 only)

Published References

National Museum of African Art. 2006. BIG/small Family Guide. Exhibition booklet. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Gift of Tom Joyce and museum purchase with funds donated by Carl Jennings

13th-17th century

Object number

2002-10-3

Restrictions & Rights

CC0

Type

Sculpture

Medium

Copper alloy

Dimensions

H x W x D: 3.2 x 2.5 x 0.6 cm (1 1/4 x 1 x 1/4 in.) (average dimensions)

Geography

Democratic Republic of the Congo

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

male

Trade

Currency

Record ID

nmafa_2002-10-3

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7421b3d7f-acb2-41a2-b725-9bfb093dd0c0