Nkutshu Oshele or Knife Currency, Based
Product ID: A1400-256
$1,995.00
About this piece
A blade that stopped being a blade and became a bank account.
Nkutshu people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa, made this oshele or knife currency in iron in the 20th century. Knife-shaped iron currencies like these were commonly used for bridewealth and exchange rather than for cutting. Three curving blades branch from a central shaft: one sweeps up into a beaked tip, while others open to the sides, each marked with a perforation. The surface is textured with fine cross lines and is a dull brown, rusted in places. It rests on a slim black stand.
About 23 inches tall. Money has never looked so graphic.
