formed by hand (overall production method/technique)
Measurements:
overall: 5.08 cm x 40.005 cm; 2 in x 15 3/4 in
Object Name:
Spear Head
alternative currency
Other Terms:
Spear Head; Africa; French Cameroun, Kaka Tribe
Place used:
Cameroon
Associated place:
Cameroon
Date made:
n.d.
Description:
Various West African communities produced metal currency in the shapes of spears and other weapons for specific kinds of exchange, such as ceremonial payments for marriages (bridewealth). They were made from a range of metals including iron, copper, brass, and bronze. While they were typically not designed for use, they could be melted down and transformed into weapons, tools, or ornaments.
