Mongo Leg Band Currency Casting

This wooden form was used by metal casters in the Mongo region of Congo in the manufacture of traditional currency and adornments. It was pressed, ridge-side down, into moist clay, sand or another pliant medium. The resulting impression would act as a one-time mould into which molten copper alloy would then be poured. Once cooled, the cast metal would be raised from the mould and hammered into the desired shape with wooden mallets. A single form could be used to make hundreds of castings; as a result they are relatively rare. The particular design of this example means it was used to create the Mongo leg band currency. Provided with custom mount. 

14″

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