CONGO KNUTSHU/JONGA IRON DOUBLE GONG WITH STAND. With African Egbo or possibly Congo coiled currency band, first half 20th century, copper alloy with copper wire (wires may have been added later to enhance value; corrosion might indicate past burial); Congo Jonga/Mbole currency legband, late 19th/early 20th century, copper; Mali spindle whorl clay beads, dates possibly from 13th century, 33 clay and stone beads incised with geometric decoration with enlarged central hole; Massai machete, and Massai beaded belt
Estimate $200-300
African Egbo, Congo Jonga/Mbole currency legband, and double-gong stand: Acquired at Affrica Gallery, Washington, DC, 2001-2004 Congo Jonga/Mbole currency legband: Acquired at Affrica, Washington, DC, 2001
See comparable examples in Roberto Ballarini, Armi Bianche dell'Africa nera/Black Africa's Traditional Arms, Milan, 1992, p. 115 (currency legband) and p. 113 (double gong). These anklets were worn by men and women of the Mbole. Another example is illustrated on the cover of The Artistry of African Currency, National Museum of African Art, 2000, the collection of John Henry
Mali spindle whorl beads: Acquired in Mali in 2006 NOTE: Spindle whorls are used to help spin thread.
