FOUR EEMBA, MWILA AND OVAMBO, ANGOLA

Estimate

R3,000 - R4,000

Hammer

R3,000

FOUR EEMBA, MWILA AND OVAMBO, ANGOLA

More Information

The ends of conus shells from the east African coast, cut to form a circular disc or omba (plr: eemba), were traded across southern Africa for centuries. Also called ndoro and mpande, they show the raised spiral inside and were both a currency and sign of status for communities of the region. Here the omba with metal centre is Ovambo and the other three thicker cut eembe are Mwila, and would have been attached to a married woman’s neckpiece with a leather knot, as seen in Lot 1445
4.5 cm tallest
(4)

(4)4.5 cm tallest
(4)