Physical Description:

metal, iron (overall material)

black/brown (overall color)

shaped by hand (overall production method/technique)

Measurements:

average spatial: 80.4 mm x 134.3 mm; x 3 3/16 in x 5 5/16 in

Object Name:

Fan Axe

alternative currency

Other Terms:

Fan Axe; Africa; French Cameroons

Place used:

Gabon

Associated place:

French West Africa

Date made:

n.d.

Description:

Fang Axes are a bundled group of small iron rods with arrow-shaped ends. They were used by the Fang people of Gabon for trade as well as for ceremonial payments in marriages (bridewealth).

Location:

Currently not on view

Credit Line:

The Chase Manhattan Bank

ID Number:

NU.79.112.OC16

Accession number:

1979.1263

Catalog number:

79.112.OC16

See more items in:

Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection

West African Currency

Data Source:

National Museum of American History

GUID:

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-265a-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

EDAN-URL:

edanmdm:nmah_1066873