West- Africa Primitive Money 19th / Early 20th Century Heavy Cast Copper-Alloy Spiral Currency (Store of Value)

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West Africa – Heavy Cast Copper-Alloy Spiral Currency (Store of Value) – 19th / Early 20th Century

Description

Heavy spiral-formed object of cast copper alloy, attributed to West Africa and dating to the 19th to early 20th century. This type is documented by Charles Opitz under the category “Spiral Currency” and belongs to a group of non-standardised metal wealth objects used as stores of value rather than as coinage.

The object consists of a thick metal band wound into a compact cylindrical spiral, forming a solid, weight-based unit. Such objects functioned in local economic systems as accumulations of wealth, with value determined by metal content, mass and workmanship, rather than by denomination.

The surface displays a stable, old patina with concentric ridges on both interior and exterior, consistent with traditional casting and long-term handling. No decorative motifs are present, emphasising its material and weight-based function.

Material: copper alloy (bronze/brass)
Diameter: approx. 7 cm
Height: approx. 72 mm
Weight: approx. 866 g
Region: West Africa
Period: 19th – early 20th century

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