Currency object inspired by a throwing knife, "ndondo-guindza" or "ngindza"

Morgan Oakes Gallery

Mbugbu / Gbodo (Yakoma) / Wada, D.R. Congo / Central African Republic

Iron, vegetal fiber

19th century

This currency form was primarily used and manufactured by the Mbugbu, a subgroup of the Banda. The blade itself ingeniously incorporates many elements of design and construction of the numerous Banda throwing blade types, yet represents an entirely unique style.

This so-called ndondo-guindza (trans: "throwing knife-money") formed the chief part of any traditional payment, sometimes even tied together in bundles of up to ten pieces. After having served several generations, the last surviving examples, often heavily corroded, can still be found in the area, which testifies to the former importance and abundance of this type.

Because Mbugbu blades were generally manufactured for use rather than as ornate prestige objects, the Mbugbu never became highly skilled engravers, and the most elaborate decorations on these pieces were simple zigzags or ladder-like patterns (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Westerdijk, The African Throwing Knife, 1988).

$2,400.00

Artwork details