Chamba Iron Dubil Currency Rod Nigeria

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.

Damage/Repair: Oxidation and rust, see photos for more details.

The Sukur people of Nigeria and Cameroon used Dubil currency rods, which were crafted by local tribal blacksmiths in the Madagoli area of the Mandara Mountains using locally smelted iron. These iron rods bear the blacksmith's hammer marks with flared ends, resembling a tibia or shin bone, has been in use since the 16th century, and potentially even earlier.

SD0423