Bronze currency by the Kota people of Gabon, Central Africa

If the value of a gift is directly related to size, then many tribes in Africa can be said to be “living large.” In this area of the world it is common to give a “bride price,” which is what a man gives to his bride’s family in exchange for her hand; and the most valuable types of bride price are forged metal currencies – known as money. These range in size from large and unwieldy to small and petite; but large or small, the greater the size or amount of currency, the greater the value. In other words, more is better, an equation most people equate with paper money!     

The outer ridges on this currency mimic hairstyles of Kota women

This week’s New Arrival features a distinctive form of currency used by the Kota people of Gabon in Central Africa. Though this particular form has been called an anklet or necklace, it is simply too large for anything that could commonly be worn. The enormity of the piece confirms it has great value; however, its size is not the only reason it is respected as a collectible. The unique protrusions on its surface mimic inventive hairstyles worn by Kota women – making this form worth at least a hair more than any other denomination.

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