Additional information
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Prestige Tajere Currency
Tajere (Western Fulani; known as losol in Eastern Fulani, kantal in Jukun, and saka in Mumuye) is a form of ingot currency used in the Upper Benue Valley of eastern Nigeria from the sixteenth century through the early twentieth century. This extraordinary example is significantly larger, heavier and more beautifully wrought than the typical tajere. It came to me by way of the great Cameroonian art dealer Seidou Ndam, along with several others of similar size, appropriate age and fine craftsmanship. Ndam inherited considerable inventory from his late father, himself also a dealer, as well as excellent contacts across northwest Cameroon into Nigeria’s Upper Benue. This tajere and the others in the group were sold to me from “Chez Mumuye.” Their tour de force execution, impressive scale and origin story may indicate that they were made by Mumuye smiths as regalia for a men’s society or as emblems of prestige for a ruler, akin to oversized, spectacular ceremonial scepters and crowns. $950
24.5″ height with base
