Mbole Copper Arch Ingot OLD African Currency DRC Congo

A Rare Mbole Ngelima Early Copper Arch Ingot, Flared Ends
Antique Tribal Art - Old African Currency Primitive Money - Democratic Republic of Congo Zaire

Collected from the: Mbole peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire, region of Central Africa. Also attributed to the neighboring Ngelima.
Material: Copper, solid primitive mold cast
Period: 18th century, conservatively
Dimensions: 3.75" height, 4.75" outermost diameter, 2" width at lower flares; weight is 1.70 pounds
Condition: Excellent. Held in private collection, the condition of this specimen remains unchanged from the time of its original 1950's field acquisition. Exhibits exquisite signs of age and indigenous wear, appropriate indications of the earliest version of this form, burnished skin oil patina, mold marks and a rough interior from the initial pressing, minute surface imperfections created during the initial casting process. Deep chocolate patina, deep red indigenous copper highlights along all high points and edges, substantial deposits of calcified verdigris; scuffs and nicks present significant patination. Easily identified as a primitive Mbole arch ingot from the five outer edge ridges, this early design gives some suggestion that this predecessor to the more commonly recognized arch ingots may have actually been worn as anklets - a rare specimen !

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