Iron Mounted Objects

A striking example of West African material culture, this Igbo iron currency knife from Nigeria embodies the intersection of economy, artistry, and ritual within traditional African societies. Before the widespread adoption of coinage and paper money, many regions across Africa used forms of metal currency—objects whose intrinsic material value, craftsmanship, and symbolic form made them widely accepted as units of exchange. Among the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, iron currency objects such as knives, rods, and bracelets circulated not only as mediums of trade but also as markers of wealth, social status, and ceremonial exchange. This particular form—often referred to as a currency knife—features an elegantly curved profile with a tapering blade-like extension and finely incised surface decoration. Forged and hand-carved from iron, the piece demonstrates the remarkable skill of traditional blacksmiths, whose work held both practical and spiritual significance in Igbo culture. The etched geometric motifs along the surface speak to a visual language of craftsmanship passed through generations, transforming what was once a utilitarian object into a sculptural artifact rich with cultural meaning. Mounted on a custom-made platform for display, the piece now reads as a refined sculptural object. Its weathered iron patina, subtle textural variations, and dynamic crescent silhouette give it a commanding presence—equally compelling as a collectible ethnographic artifact or as a distinctive decorative accent in a contemporary interior. Today, objects like this Igbo currency...

Used as forms of currency, they could also serve as a musical or ritual object. Displayed on a custom mount.

Before the widespread adoption of coinage, many African societies developed sophisticated systems of exchange using forged metal objects as currency. These iron forms—used in marriag...

Elegant pair of wrought iron pedestals crafted during the 1950s, inspired by the architectural forms and proportions of Classical Roman design. Their refined silhouettes and balanced...

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original handmade Kenyan Turkana leather and iron bound fighting shield which has been expertly mounted to a Gillows quality hardwood a...

An iron architectural building star anchor mounted on a steel base. The 19th Century star is originally part of a brick building and used to anchor in to...

A French iron scale from the mid-20th century presented on custom iron stand. This vintage scale from France is a sizable piece, being over 3.5 feet ...

Used as forms of currency, they could also serve as a musical or ritual object. Displayed on a custom mount.

This Double Gong bell originating from the Bamileke communities in Cameroon is a functional instrument played with wooden sticks.

Used as forms of currency, they could also serve as a musical or ritual object. Displayed on a custom mount.

The Double Gong bell originating from the Bamileke communities in Cameroon is a functional instrument played with wooden sticks.

A pair of vintage Chinese winter boots on stand. This is a pair of Chinese leather winter boots that have been displayed on a custom black iron Stand. The boots are from the people b...

Early 20th century iron cooking utencil from India This is a cool and unusual decorative object.  

An elegant Benin Iron Striker Bell with a double spiral finial on the top, and a lovely bell-shaped body. This is an extremely fine example of the African blacksmiths artistry. Kingd...

Cast bronze fantasy ship sculpture with iron Torpedos and iron stand They came out of an anonymous artist’s studio that was being disassembled on the Nor...

A wooden spiked gaming paddle from the mid-20th century. This vintage game paddle from India features a wooden handle and oval-shaped body with spikes projecting out at one side, wit...

A vintage carved wood crocodile head boat prow from Papua New Guinea. This mid-20th century Papua New Guinean boat prow has been carved out of wood and featu...

Iron Sculpture Using the Remains of Iron Balconies and Iron Windows

A Papua New Guinea yam festival mask of a horn-billed bird from the mid-20th century. This vintage ceremonial mask, also referred to as a baba mask, originates from the Abelam people...

Offered are two of the sculptures of wings created by the Italian artist Salvatore Savoca. Each is mounted on a black iron stand. Made of epoxy resin and powdered marble, they each...

The Afo Bridal Currency was used in Nigeria until the early 1940s. This is also known as a "Chenkrom." Now mounted on a bronze stand.

Spiegel sculpture A one-off sculpture of extraordinary character, this design celebrates the naked raku ceramics technique, highlighted with the stupendo...

Given the beauty and thoughtful design of traditional Chinese furniture, it’s no wonder that Qing-dynasty carpenter’s tools were accorded the same att...

Mid Century Modern vintage curved lettering made of black wrought iron designed and made for a pastry shop in Austria, circa 1950. The lettering was newly ...

Delicately handcrafted, this 19th century wrought iron gate overthrow is made to the highest quality by a skilled blacksmith. It is an excellent example...

A pair of decoratively carved wood splash boards from the southeastern region of Papua, New Guinea, presented on custom stands. This pair of vintage tribal boards have been carved fr...

Thomas Lollar earned his BFA and MA at Western Michigan University, and has been teaching ceramics and sculpture since 1975. A master sculptor, his subjects are rendered in both fron...

Handmade Dischi Volanti sculpture by Le Meduse Unique piece Dimensions: W 25, D 40, H 160 cm Materials: iron painted. Each model is unique because it is handmade, it can be rep...