ANCIENT OBJECTS | African William Siegal Gallery maintains a small but sophisticated collection of African sculpture. In addition, we constantly search out examples of the finest tribal currencies, societal hats, and other cultural artifacts from throughout sub-Sahara Africa. The collection also includes a stunning selection of African Currency - beautiful metal objects used in traditional Africa to trade and store wealth. Iron and metal-working were considered mystical alchemical arts in Pre-Colonial Africa. Very few were fortunate enough to be initiated into the highly secretive world surrounding the iron forge. Thus, iron in particular was considered to hold special value well beyond its functionality. Currencies were used for major purchases (of land or animals) or to signify a transfer of wealth at major events, such as births, coming of age ceremonies, marriages,or even to demonstrate the accumulated wealth and prestige of a departed loved one at a funeral. William Siegal Gallery displays these objects for their inherent genius, craftsmanship, and beauty. Ancient Objects - AFRICAN           CHAMBA NECKLACE iron Chamba Culture Early 20th Century FLAME CURRENCY iron Cameroon Culture Early 20th Century DWIN CURRENCY Copper Alloy Kru Culture 19th Century MANILLA CURRENCY Copper alloy Nigeria Culture Early 20th Century COIL CURRENCY Copper alloy Igbo Culture Mid 20th Century HAM PILU beads/shells/coins Fali Culture Early 20th Century LOOP CURRENCY Copper alloy Mongo Culture 18th Century RATTLE CURRENCY Copper alloy Kru Culture 19th Century CEREMONIAL MASK wood Bundu Culture Early 20th Century CEREMONIAL SHIELD wood Burundi Culture 19th Century PILGRIMAGE STICKS wood Ethiopia Early 20th Century SHRINE FINIAL CURRENCY iron Fang Culture Mid 19th Century FLUTE wood Burkina Faso Mid 20th Century CACHE-SEX glass beads/shells Cameroon Mid 20th Century BRACELET CURRENCY copper alloy Kru Culture Mid 20th Century                     back to Ancient Objects & Textiles Portal