After “Minimania” and “A Flock of Birds”, Duende Art Projects returns to Brussels’ Civilisations Art Fair next January with the thematic exhibition “Money Money Money”. Showcasing 20 astonishing examples of antique African currencies, the show explores the variety of types and forms of metal money once circulating in pre-colonial Africa. Cast from valuable metals, these sophisticated forms are a testament of African blacksmiths’ exceptional craftsmanship. Western metal coins suddenly feel very repetitive and uninspired when confronted with the extravagant variety and creativity displayed by these ancient means of exchange. As stand-alone works of art, they shouldn’t be limited to the categories of numismatics or ethnographic art, but instead possess a universal appeal.
This wealth of forms made from locally sourced or imported metals had an important intrinsic value and could be repurposed in times of need. Mounted on custom-made bases, they are once again recontextualized, acquiring art-historical importance as well. Our traditional notions of how money should look are abandoned when exploring traditional African currencies. Their large shape and heavy weight are both fascinating and surprising, as they clearly were not designed to be carried around. When their value needed to be increased, objects of inflated size were created, such as man-high spearheads or overweight anklets.
With the advent of Western colonialism, the significance of old barter currencies decreased rapidly. Colonial bureaucracies introduced debased currencies, and these coins and paper notes of little intrinsic value became only established with the help of government enforcement. ‘Money Money Money’ will make you reconsider notions about exchange systems in so-called ‘primitive’ societies and offer the opportunity to acquire prime examples of African metal currencies selected with not only ethnographic but especially aesthetic criteria. Be ready to be amazed by the extraordinary beauty of these unexpected shapes!
CIVILISATIONS ART FAIR
22-26 January 2025
Rue des Minimes 3, Brussels
at Gallery Harmakhis.
Opening hours:
Wed. 22 January: 2 pm to 8 pm
Thu. 23 January: 11 am to 7 pm
Fri. 24 January: 11 am to 7 pm
Sat. 25 January: 11 am to 7 pm
Sun. 26 January: 11 am to 5 pm