Pair of Monumental Topoke African Currency Spears on Museum Stands, Late 19th C.

An impressive pair of late 19th century extra-long African currency spears—properly referred to as liganda or ngbele —from the Topoke, Turumbu, or Lokele peoples and related cultures in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, presented on museum-caliber custom made black pedestal display stands.

A liganda’s monetary value was determined primarily by its length, and based on the monumental size of the pair offered here, they would’ve been classified as dihunga liganda—the largest of those made—and used for important events or transactions such as wedding dowries or the purchase of livestock or a canoe.

Each dihunga liganda is comprised of two hand-forged, hand-wrought, and hand-worked thin melded iron pieces that in whole form a sword-like spear with winged elements that smoothly transition to a blade terminating in an elongated tip. Middle ridge with parallel linear decorations on both sides follow the left edge of the blade and the perimeter of the wings.

Narrow cylindrical shaft at bottom would’ve originally allowed it to be mounted on a pole or planted in the ground. Both dihunga liganda display a very handsome and desirable amount of uniform natural patina and character throughout.

Created and exchanged by the Turumbu originally, as well as by the Topoke, Lokele, Bambole, Wagenia, and Bajurnu peoples of the Isangi, Kisangani, Lomami, Lualaba, and other nearby regions of central Africa until around 1920, at which point the use of liganda as currency was banned by the Belgian colonial powers in control at the time.

Presented on commanding museum-quality custom made matte black wood pedestal display stands with discreet thin black steel rod supports. The visually striking pair would look fantastic positioned on either side of an entryway, foyer, fireplace, sofa, or bed.

Heights of dihunga ligandas including stands are almost identical, though they appear slightly different in some photos due to a minor forward/backward lean of each.

Dimensions listed are overall for dihunga liganda and stand at left in the primary image.
Height: 70.5 in Width: 12 in Depth: 12 in

Specific dimensions are as follows:
Dihunga liganda at left (including shaft): H 58 in. Blade at mid-point: W 2.75 in. Winged element: W 9.5 in. Dihunga liganda at right (including shaft): H 58.25 in. Blade at mid-point; W 2.88 in. Winged element: W 9.25 in.

Condition: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Left liganda leans back a bit; right one leans forward a bit. Right liganda with slight seam separation and minor crimp near top. Stands with some light marks and scratches; dusty and dull areas on tops addressed and improved after photos were taken.