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Copper tribute blades
Nzakara and Ngbandi peoples, probably late
19th century AD
Azande Empire, Sudan
Throwing money
Before the introduction of imported scrap metal and coinage in
the twentieth century, metal was a very important and valuable
commodity in Africa. Metal currency in various forms was used for
several hundred years before minted coinage was introduced by
European colonials. Locally produced metal currency took the form
of modified utilitarian objects such as hoe blades, arrowheads and
spearheads.
The Azande, in common with many other Central and Sudanic
African peoples, made and used throwing knives as currency. The
Azande are a diverse people united by a common language, organized
into kingdoms ruled by different members of a single royal dynasty.
Today they are dispersed between the modern states of Sudan and the
Democratic Republic of Congo.
Produced by vassal peoples on the periphery of Zande influence,
such as the Nzakara and Ngbandi, these stylized, copper versions of
iron throwing knives were circulated throughout the Zande kingdoms,
along with a wide range of luxury items. They were not exchanged
ona commercial basis, but rather as part of a complex system of
tribute-giving which maintained the delicate balance of power which
existed in the de-centralized Zande empire.
C.J. Spring, African arms and armour (London, The British Museum Press, 1993)