Bangda Dance Coin Ax - Cameroon - First Half Of The 20th Century

Bangda Dance Coin Ax
Kapsiki Kirdi culture, Cameroon 
First half of the 20th century
Iron and coin
H. 43; L 34 cm

The axe or sickle is made of iron worked in one piece. It is entirely incised with geometric motifs organised in register, the head is embellished with a British West African half penny coin. It is struck on the obverse "Georgivs V Rex et Ind Imp" accompanied by a crown, the reverse "British West Africa 1920" and centred with the Star of David.
This coin was common from 1912 to 1936, and refers to the reign of the UK King George V from 1910 to 1936.

Used for funeral dance ceremonies, this axe could also be used as a currency. 

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

Ref.LP : 2959