Kusu Boloko Currency

SKU: 4032

Original price was: $125.00.Current price is: $99.00.

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In stock

In stock

Kusu
ITEM #:
4032
ETHNICITY:
Mbole
ORIGIN:
Democratic Republic of Congo
MBOLE CURRENCY ANKLET:
This Kusu Boloko currency form, served as pieces of currency in the Congo. They were used for rare, but major transactions.

 


Details


African Art

ITEM #:
4032
ETHNICITY:
Kusu
ORIGIN:
Democratic Republic of Congo
MEDIUM:
Copper.
DIMENSIONS:
15.5″ (39.4 cm).
CONDITION:
Good.


African Art

PROVENANCE:
Private Estate Collection – Florida, USA.


African Art

CATALOGUE NOTE:
Kusu Boloko Currency.
These U-shaped currencies, known as Boloko Currency made by the Kusu people, were made from a section of copper rod and each end was beaten into a thin disc-like section. These currency items were made by the Kusu blacksmiths.

The value of a Kusu Boloko was specified as follows by Alfred Mahieu in Numismatique du Congo 1485-1924 (Brussels, 1924):
1 Konga / Boloko currency bought a billy goat,
2 Konga / Boloko bought a man slave,
3 Konga / Boloko bought a female slave,
10 Konga / Boloko constituted a normal dowry for a wife.

For a similar example see:
– “The Perfect Form”, by Roberto Ballarini, page 295.
– “African Currency”, by Adolfo Bartolomucci, page 90.