These enigmatic U-shaped pieces of copper currency were made by Nkutshu blacksmiths for their monetary system. They also traded them with their neighbors, the Basongo Meno, a group of Mongo origin. The Nkutshu called them Konga or Kunga; among the Basongo Meno they were known as Boloko or Okano. The aforementioned considered them important objects and used them both in dowry payments and in the purchase of slaves and big animals. Alfred Mahieu specified their value in Numismatique du Congo 1485-1924 (Brussels, 1924):

1 boloko bought a billy goat,
2 boloko bought one goat or a man slave,
3 boloko were worth a female slave,
10 boloko constituted a normal dowry for a wife.

Good condition with traces of wear and tear. The currency can stand on it`s own when you put a small coin underneath.




Object:

Currency



Ethnic group:

Nkutshu



Country:

DR Congo



Material:

Bronze



Period:

First half 20th century



Sold with stand:

No



Dimensions:

41x28x8 cm



Weight:

1200 gram



Condition:

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reserve: $80.00

Shipping:

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Location: This item ships from Netherlands.

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